“Everybody, this is not an April Fools joke,” said Sen. Reid yesterday in an announcement with Sen. McConnell. “This is important …and the only way it’s going to be solved is for us to work together. The time has come for us to legislate.”

(Sometimes a spring break does wonders to clear the mind.)

By noon today, Sens. Dodd and Shelby are expected to produce a bipartisan housing bill, subject to amendment by both sides. And after the GOP stonewalled the issue all last month, Sen. Isakson (R-Ga.) urged Republicans leaders to move quickly on an agreement. “You can play that game when it doesn’t matter. But people’s lives, their fortunes, their largest single asset is at stake,” he said.

Meanwhile, frustrated cities are taking action in their own hands. Last week, Philadelphia suspended sales of foreclosed homes; Cleveland and Baltimore are considering similar actions.