Congress takes a Jewish Holiday

Anyone else a little confused as to why Congress has taken a Jewish new year holiday (from what I hear not all that important a holiday) in the midst of the financial crisis and an attempt to pass a 700 billion dollar bill?

First - I think government should be secular - i.e. it should not hold special holidays for religion - if those people with those religions choose not to turn up - so be it, but don't make everyone else take the same holiday.
Second - Financial crisis anyone? How many billions of dollars does it cost the economy for the congress to delay their decision?
I suppose I am making the assumption that congress actually makes good decisions which could be flawed...