The House and Senate adjourned on September 29 without action on an extension of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, punting consideration of estate tax reform and other expiring tax provisions until the post-election lame duck session. On the House side the early departure proved controversial, as 39 Democrats joined 170 Republicans to oppose a motion to adjourn without action on the tax extension. The motion narrowly passed 210-209. Eyes now turn to the elections and the impact races across the country will have on the sentiments of current legislators, their willingness to work together and the leverage of the parties when Congress returns.