The whole thing failed because of idealogical differences within the GOP.  If there is no willingness to compromise then there can be no possibility of dealmaking.  Other than for external matters - such as dealing with enacting sanctions against countries that conduct themselves in a manner they deem threatening to their national security - it seems that their government is irrevocably divided.  It has taken 36 years (since Reagan's first inauguration) to get this far and I can't imagine things turning around any time soon.