As you note, when congress sees an urgent problem worth solving, they move quickly.

When I read, "congress is abdicating its responsibility", it seems to me people are just upset a law they like wasn't passed.

In other words, people want a dictator they agree with, rather than taking the time and effort to change the minds of their fellow citizens on any given issue.

Besides, inaction is often the best path to take, particularly when there isn't a clear winning idea.