Congress may not be able top pass budgets on time or confirm nominees to key positions.
But recognizing the importance of cooperatives is another matter.
On Friday, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating 2012 as the "Year of Cooperatives".
The resolution was cosponsored by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson (D- S.D.) and Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.).
The resolution “recognizes the importance of raising the profile of cooperatives and demonstrating the manner by which cooperatives build local wealth, generate employment, and provide competition in the marketplace.’’
The Senate action follows a similar declaration by the United Nations. The world body is scheduled to begin its observance on Oct. 31 when U.N. Secretary General Ban-Ki moon gives a speech before the United Nations General Assembly.
The theme of the year’s observances is "Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World."
