Why weren't they doing all this 'hard work' within the 90 day session?   Why are serious discussions just beginning now?  This is the second year in a row these 'policy makers' have prolonged their "hard work" - all with their hands out to collect the extra per diem while dragging their feet.  Of course, they've had plenty of time to spend on LIO wheeling and dealing while the budget collects dust. 

"This is representative democracy!" sez Sen. Stevens.