Something Needs to be Done?

I am not an economist and so when I keep hearing that something needs to be done to fix the economy I am in no way able to determine if what I am hearing is true or not. But one thing I do know if it is so important why is congress shutting down for the Jewish holiday? Is this a Jewish nation? They didn't shut down for the Christian sabbath and instead worked all day Sunday. But the Jewish holiday - oh no we can't offend the Jews!

Who is in control here?