A Free Lesson for Republicans

Yesterday afternoon, House Republicans embarked on their annual retreat to have lessons in, among other things, "connecting to hardworking Americans" and ponder the question "what if there had not been a Republican majority?"

Compelling.

In light of the last three years of record-breaking do-nothingness in Congress, House Republicans are at a clear disadvantage when it comes to the first issue – connecting to hardworking Americans – but we have a few very popular suggestions for where they can start:

• Renew UI benefits for millions of jobless Americans

• Raise the minimum wage

• Paycheck Fairness

• Paid sick leave for working parents

• Pregnant workers' fairness

• Pass bills to foster job creation here at home

• Promote affordable and high quality child care

• Expand child care tax credit

As for the open-ended question "what if there had not been a Republican majority?" – the possibilities are endless. Check out the list above for starters...

One thing is for sure, there is a lot Americans wouldn't have had to deal with:

CNNMoney.com: Shutdown took $24 billion bite out of economy

National Journal: House Republicans Boast About Bevy of Anti-Obamacare Votes

Huffington Post: GOP Congressman: Limiting Abortion 'Promotes Job Creation'

New York Times: House Republicans Pass Deep Cuts in Food Stamps

Washington Post: Will Republicans renew UI for their own constituents?

Huffington Post: Republicans Weighing List Of Demands For Debt Limit Increase

CNN: GOP tries to deal with damage done with women

ThinkProgress: A History Of Republican Excuses For Procrastinating On Immigration Reform

Politico: The (really) do-nothing Congress

Los Angeles Times: House GOP readies new government shutdown, debt limit plan

Pew Research: Medicare Voucher Plan Remains Unpopular

Washington Post: Why the House GOP's cuts to housing and transportation were so unpopular