FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The lame duck session of the 111th Congress is mercifully winding down.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/12/14/art.fl.plan.jpg caption="A man highlights vacant offices on a floor plan during an office selection lottery for new House of Representatives members."]
And the Democrats are going to have a lot of unhappy supporters to face as they head home nearly empty-handed.
For starters, it's looking like the deal that President Obama struck with Republicans on extending the Bush tax cuts will pass Congress - even though many Democrats object to it.
Also, the Democratic majority is running out of time to pass key items in their own agenda. And you can bet once the Republicans take control of the House in January, it ain't gonna happen.
This includes the so-called Dream Act - an immigration initiative that would provide a path to citizenship for those who came here illegally as children. It's stalled in the Senate, much like the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
If Democrats don't get these through now - and it's looking unlikely with a Republican filibuster in the Senate - that means at least another two years before they have a shot at controlling both houses of Congress.
Experts say that Democrats are going to have to explain to their base how they didn't get this stuff passed when they had overwhelming majorities in Congress for the last two years. It's a fair question.
Others suggest the Democrats need to look for small legislative victories in the coming days and weeks in order to salvage their pride and save some face.
Here’s my question to you: What will (or won't) you miss about the outgoing Congress?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
James in Greenville, North Carolina writes:
Jack, As ineffective as they have been, I doubt anyone will know the difference. The Democrats had the Oval Office, the House and the Senate and did very little. I am glad to see them go and hope the next cast of characters can do something positive for a change. Can they be any worse?
John writes:
What I will miss about this Congress is the lost opportunity to accomplish great things if Obama had only stepped up to the plate and acted like he had some gravel in his gut.
Daniel in Wisconsin writes:
I will miss Russ Feingold. It is too bad that my fellow residents of Wisconsin got easily confused and voted against one of the best senators our country has ever had.
Steve in Clifton, Virginia writes:
Unlike the prior 110th Congress, which did absolutely nothing, the outgoing 111th Congress accomplished some significant goals which will affect the lives of millions of Americans for many years in a positive way.
B.J. in Quincy, Illinois writes:
What makes you think that it is going to be any different? You have to have a real change to miss (or not miss) something.
Sean writes:
I will miss Nancy Pelosi as Speaker because out of the three she was the only one who made the tough liberal choices and fought for principle. I wish Harry Reid would have lost. As a liberal Democrat, I think he's a disgrace.
Patty writes:
When Nancy Pelosi became Speaker of the House, I was elated. Now, I'm just glad to see her take her hat in her hand and sit down.
Bill in Sparta, New Jersey writes:
Not a darn thing, but then I doubt there's anything I'll like about the new one either.