Every few years, we get to a point in the Congress where lawmakers are just about to leave for a scheduled break, or for the end of the session, and one party says they should delay the vacation to stay and work on (fill in the blank.)

Usually, what happens in the House, is that dozens of members will chant "Work!  Work!  Work!" at the other party, making the point that the majority is leaving town with lots of things still on the Congressional To-Do List.

My prediction right now is that we will hear that by Thursday from GOP members in the House, as Congress gets ready for the annual August recess.

Actually, here is a fun fact for you:

There is a federal law that states that Congress must adjourn for the year by July 31.  Yep, that's part of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946.

Congress waives that every year, so they can keep the session going until Santa Claus arrives sometimes.  A few years ago they forgot to do that, though.

If President Bush wasn't going to the Olympics, some might wonder if he would raise the stakes by calling a special session of the Congress to deal with high oil and gas prices.

But August is reserved for brush clearing at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, so that's pretty much not going to happen.

So, barring something unforseen, this week of work in Congress will be it for the two parties, until after the national political conventions. 

As of now, there is only one energy bill expected on the floor of the House this week, that's on oil futures market speculation, which the Senate gridlocked over last week.

Expect Democrats to again bring the bill up under special rules that require a two-thirds majority for approval.  Once again, they probably won't get that many votes.

There is one big surprise on the House schedule this week - a budget bill - as the appropriations bill for Military Construction and Quality of Life is listed.  That would be the first spending bill of the summer.

If the House does not pass a spending bill this week, then it would be the first time since 1950 that the House has not been able to approve one appropriations bill before August 1.

I would bet that Republicans are looking at every parliamentary avenue possible to bring up energy issues on that bill.

Work! Work! Work! Work!

Over in the Senate, we may get nothing done, as GOP Senators have said they will block consideration of any measure that doesn't have an impact on high oil and gas prices.

I would fully expect some type of legislative hijinx this week, as both parties position themselves to go home without achieving anything of note on the issue of energy.

Also - watch to see what the President does.