Patterico's Pontifications

10/27/2007

TGIF: The House needs a Break

Filed under: Government — DRJ @ 12:45 pm



[Guest post by DRJ]

The Democratic leadership in Congress plans a new, lighter workload beginning next year:

Shortly after winning a majority last year, Democrats triumphantly declared that they would put Congress back to work, promising an “end to the two-day workweek.” And indeed, the House has clocked more time in Washington this year than in any other session since 1995, when Republicans, newly in control, sought to make a similar point.

But 10 months into the session, with their legislative agenda often in gridlock with the Bush administration and a big election year looming, the Democrats are now planning a lighter schedule when the 110th Congress begins its second year in mid-January. The House majority leader, Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, told fellow Democrats this week that the House would not be in session next year on Fridays, except in June for work on appropriations bills.”

With October’s dismal 22-27% approval ratings, Congress might very well be better off if the public sees and hears less from it, but the official explanation provided by the House Democrats for this change was a family-friendly motivation:

“Explaining that decision to reporters, Mr. Hoyer said, “I do intend to have more time for members to work in their districts and to be close to their families.”
***
… Democrats conceded that the hectic pace had taken a toll, especially on lawmakers who must travel long distances home and who have small children. And members of Congress have not gotten a raise or cost-of-living increase this year.”

It’s hard to feel sorry for people who decide to run for political office and then complain about how inconvenient it is. They can always go back to their home districts and get less challenging work, but that’s an option few politicians find palatable.

Overall, though, I favor less government so this is good news. The less time Congress works, the less they get done.

— DRJ

12 Responses to “TGIF: The House needs a Break”

  1. well, for all the time they have spent in wash. this year, they have damn little to show for it. legislative wise, not a single apropriation bill has been passed and its late oct

    james conrad (7cd809)

  2. The less time Congress works, the less they get done tax, spend and regulate.

    That’s how I would have written it.

    You’re just too polite, DRJ. 😉

    Paul (66339f)

  3. The less time Congress works, the less they get done.

    Oh, but they always make time for one more Dream Act, aka, the Reoccurring Nightmare Act.

    dave (04dde8)

  4. And Dubya just continues to kick their collective ass.

    Good times.

    N. O'Brain (de7362)

  5. How much does the Congress do in any situation?
    In his book “Goldwater”, Barry said the routine for both Senate and House was as follows. Finish work on Thursday, leave town on Friday, get back sometime on Monday and return to work on Tuesday.
    A three day work week at best.
    Let’s hope they try for a two day work week, the Nation will be the better for it.

    Edward Cropper (059d93)

  6. …to be close to their families.”

    The Democrats were elected promising to end the war, not to be with their families.

    Perfect Sense (b6ec8c)

  7. Makes sense to me. The Dems didn’t get anything significant done in 2007 so everyone should work less in 2008. Give them a raise too, they didn’t get one this year, the whiners.

    Thanks Nancy!

    Thanks Harry!

    daleyrocks (906622)

  8. #4…
    Isn’t just amazing how that moron GWB is constantly out-manuevering all of the “Best and Brightest” that populate the Dem side of Congress?

    Another Drew (8018ee)

  9. basically this congress has frittered away almost an entire year pandering to some of their special interest groups. the latest pander-thon over the closing days of the ottoman empire blew up in their face though. good stuff actually and reminds voters of how empty these people really are. i realize patterico has anointed hillary prez but i say, it aint over till its over.

    james conrad (7cd809)

  10. Thanks Ed,,,,,

    Such would be nirvana for the citizens!

    Then given zero time to actually do a job, like read through 1000 plus page bills, (which they DO NOT DO), a firing offense in my Humble opinion), they might vote more nonsense upon us all, in total ignorance!

    TC (1cf350)

  11. I have always thought that air conditioning was one of the worst things to happen to this country as it allowed Congress to continue to meet thru the hot Washington summer months.

    david smuckler (f0b12d)

  12. And still they will get the usial pay for sitting on their buttholes doing nothing

    krazy kagu (614414)


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