Initially, Pompey's bill to "distribute land to the veterans who served under his command in the war in Spain" received approval, yet it was never implemented. This time, when Pompey revisited the issue, the elders claimed there wasn't enough land for distribution, making execution impossible.
Moreover, Pompey enacted several laws during his conquest of the East to stabilize the newly occupied territories. Although his legislative work was commendably completed, he wasn't granted legislative power and acted first and reported later, attracting criticism from the Senate.
Lucullus, who had his command taken by Pompey, finally found an opportunity for revenge. He, along with Cato, Metellus (Mutia's half-brother) and some other conservative elders, discussed and handled each of Pompey's regulations for the East individually.
Pompey, who once dominated the battlefield, found himself struggling upon his return to Rome, feeling like he was stuck in a quagmire.
