The U.S. Senate returned to work Monday for the first time since it helped end the 16 day government shutdown in mid-October, and Majority Leader Harry Reid was quick to blast Republicans.
"In the wake of a Republican government shutdown," the Nevada Democrat said--a fact Republicans dispute--"the nation is watching for a sign that the Senate can function efficiently."
Then he proceeded to blast the Republican-run House of Representatives. "They have often refused to allow the House of Representatives--the whole House of Representatives--to work its will.
He cited immigration reform. The Senate passed a comprehensive plan earlier this year. "But for four months, the House has failed to act on immigration reform," Reid said. House Republican leaders have said they could consider a series of bills, rather than the Senate's bigger approach."
He lamented that "these so-called mainstream Republicans (have been) marginalized by members of their own party."