**Congress Wraps Up Unproductive Session Ahead of Key Elections**

WASHINGTON (AP) - As the campaign season heats up, Congress has adjourned following one of the most turbulent and least productive legislative sessions in recent memory. Lawmakers are now heading back to their constituencies, attempting to convince voters to grant them another term.

The House Republicans were at the forefront of the chaos, struggling through a protracted and contentious process to elect their speaker, only to oust him soon after—a first in congressional history. Meanwhile, the Senate experienced its own gridlock, managing to achieve only a modest legislative agenda.

These legislative shortcomings come at a critical time, with the November elections approaching and control of Congress hanging in the balance. The lack of significant achievements has amplified the stakes of an already volatile election season. Representative Ryan Zinke, formerly a Trump administration Cabinet member and now a House candidate in Montana, remarked, "The good thing is Congress didn't allow much to go through law. But what it didn't do, either, is it didn't reach its potential."

Zinke noted that House Republicans not only obstructed the Biden-Harris administration's priorities but often thwarted their own agenda as well. This internal strife leaves many lawmakers, particularly House Republicans, in a precarious position as they try to defend their slim majority. Having fallen short on their "Commitment to America" set two years ago, they now face voters who may question their effectiveness.

Despite these challenges, new House Speaker Mike Johnson remains optimistic. He believes that not only will Republicans maintain control, but that they will also gain additional seats to strengthen their position. However, achieving this during such a tight election year is proving to be a steep hill to climb.