As long as Congress doesn't change the rules of the game, there's only so far the states can go.

Since this is constitutional it does not impinge on the powers of Congress. Congress, however, must observe its own rules in the power of inquiry in aid of legislation while the rights of the witnesses should be respected.

They reached such a stalemate that they couldn't reach a supermajority on any of the major issues,

It's a very misunderstood piece of legislation.

A lot of states were likely to follow their lead,

It's just one example of the increasing breakdown of any rules in the Congress.