Updated

Tempers and frustrations are flaring in Congress on the eve of its August recess.

"Have everyone sit down and shut up," Majority Leader Harry Reid declared.

He addressed his remark to Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who was presiding over the Senate. But in an uncharacteristically loud voice aimed at chatting colleagues, the Nevada Democrat, said, "It's unfair ..., it's just not polite." He was referring to Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who had been recognized to speak on a highways-housing bill about to be blocked.

"I'm sure the August recess will have our members in a better mood when they come back," House Speaker John Boehner told reporters earlier.

The Ohio Republican's comment followed a question about postponement of a vote on the House version of the transportation bill.

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