WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last week's failure to reach a deal on the sequester is another example of what some say is a growing trend in Congress. It was sequester deadline day, and freshman Congressman Scott Perry (R-PA) found himself in his home district, not in Washington, trying to reach a deal.

"Am I surprised by it?" says Rep. Perry. "No, but am I disappointed by it? Absolutely."

Lawmakers walked away and headed home Thursday with all hopes of reaching a deal gone. 10-term Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD) also visibly frustrated.

"I came to Washington to make sure that we help our people live the very best lives they can," says Rep. Cummings.

So, with the same goals in the same jobs, why can't Congress seem to ever get anything done? The never ending need to campaign and fund raise, combined with increased polarization, made the last Congress the least productive in at least 65 years, passing just 151 bills, according to the Library of Congress. Perhaps it's no wonder at one point their approval rating dipped down to 9%. The sequester provided yet another example of 2 sides unwilling to budge.

"This is totally avoidable," says Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD). "This is a self-inflicted problem in our nation."

Critics argue it's more Washington-inflicted, and the President is also to blame.

"How can the Congress accomplish anything if the President won't compromise?" says Economist Peter Morici.

Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) says the larger the beast, the harder it is to tame.

"Everywhere," says Senator Paul. "Government is so large that you can't throw a stone without hitting waste or without hitting an outrageous example of spending."

No matter where we go from here, a new Congressman reminds us of a very old truth.

"The way our system works," says Rep. Perry. "We need both sides to be engaged in the conversation because we can't move forward without it."
Sequestration: The Blame Game - Kristine Frazao