Congress on Vacation After 2 Weeks of Work

[brooklynite]

WASHINGTON - Congressional schedule-keepers had planned for a two-week sprint between vacations to produce weighty reforms on immigration, pensions and tax policy. But Friday, at the finish line, all of those measures were missing.

The 16-day Easter break began just the same.

"Most families do spend a little time together over Easter, so I don't think that it's an unusual time to do it," said Senate Democratic Whip Richard Durbin of Illinois. Durbin said he expects more questions from his constituents about the war in Iraq than Congress' schedule.

As for those who wonder why Congress is taking a two-week vacation with such major legislation unfinished, "They've got a point," said Sen. John McCain R-Ariz.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060407/ap_on_go_co/congress_vacation_1

[babylonsister]

1. This is infuriating. Just what are their priorities? Two full weeks?

:eyes: They should all be ashamed.

[teenagebambam]

2. Well, bless their hearts

I'll be sure and think of them warmly when I'm working my two jobs, every day, up to and INCLUDING Easter Day.

[katty]

3. of course! paid vacation-giving the occupunk more scheme-time

[tulsakatz]

4. it must be nice to have an easy job like that..

....they just had 10 days off for St Patrick's day and now they're off again!

[CottonBear]

5. I think that the congress should have only 2 weeks of vacation per year

and that they should be forced to work the hours equivalent to one full-time and two part-time jobs per week (80 hours) because having three jobs is so truly American. :puke:

They should work day and freaking night if they have to to fix the unbelievable mess they've gotten this country into. :grr:

[ixion]

14. agreed...and they shouldn't make top dollar, either

civil service should not translate to "pigs lining up at the trough" for the easy ride. The rest of us (the other99%) work our butts off trying to get ahead, or worse, to make ends meet. And yet these same pompous windbags who seem to have no qualms about telling us how we should live our lives, and are willing to offer extremely harsh penalties for those who fail to do so, seem to have no qualms about writing their dream ticket, all the while failing to investigate themselves for ethics breaches, and all right before the very eyes of the people who pay their salaries.

It's staggering, really. :grr: :puke:

[rurallib]

6. Heard W is avoiding Crawford because Cindy may show up.

Jesus what a coward.
And they just had load of brush delivered.
Heard also that the House just broke into triple digits for hours worked this year.

[movonne]

12. I thought bush was a real man...would not back away from anything, just

ask ann coulter..

[gratuitous]

7. The House has a very short schedule this year

The story came out earlier last month and got some play this week, the House has set its agenda for 97 legislative days this year:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002906899_logjam03.html

"One reason for Congress' struggles may be the limited time lawmakers are spending on Capitol Hill this year. Congress is on track to be in session fewer days than the famed 'do-nothing' Congress of 1948 that President Truman successfully campaigned against. According to the congressional calendar, Congress is expected to be in session and voting 97 days this year, compared to 108 days 58 years ago."

Part of me says this is neglect of official duties bordering on the criminal. Another part of me says the less time this bunch of crooks has to work, the better off the public will be.

[Bush_MUST_Go]

8. Is it any wonder they roll over & play dead no matter WHAT bush does?

They don't want to risk their cushy jobs by disobeying king bush.

DISGUSTING!

[cboy4]

9. Earth to John McCain.....nobody believes a damn word you say anymore

after your atrocious performance on Meet the Press this past weekend! :crazy:

[rainbow4321]

10. So who will chimp appoint during their recess??

Are there any of his crooks, er, cronies, up for getting appointed? Isn't that what he does during Congress' recess?

[bee]

11. totally irresponsible IMO. n/t

[beyurslf]

13. 2 weeks for a "holiday" that many American's don't celebrate?

[Rex]

15. Most families don't get a 16 day paid vacation!

YOU WORTHLESS POS CONGRESS CRITTERS! EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU.

[dflprincess]

16. I only know one person who gets any time off at Easter.

She works for a financial outfit and they're closed on Good Friday because the Stock Exchange is closed.

[anitar1]

17. Those poor, poor babies. Such lousy pay, poor retirement

and terrible healthcare!!! It is such HARD work.No wonder they are willing to lie for the job..

[Up2Late]

18. Gee, maybe this is why they never get anything done on time???

And why they let the Lobbyist write the legislation for them? :banghead:

[Sgent]

19. It's a 16 day break from congressional hearings

but I would be stunned if the vast majority aren't working 8 hrs / day in their districts -- meeting with other local governments, constituents, etc.

[mitchum]

20. What are their mistresses gonna do during these two weeks?

[Kenergy]

21. Translation : Congress on vacation after 2 weeks of doing nothing n/t

[Ilsa]

22. They are only going to work what, about 100 days this year? nt

[Jersey Ginny]

23. They should go out and stay out. 2 weeks is not enough!

They do much more damage by being in Washington. Please, take more time!

[No Exit]

24. How much would we have to pay them to never come back to work?

I'm ready to take up a collection!

[Sonora Nora]

25. 97 days of 'work' this year

I heard on some talk show that Congress will be in session 97 days. They just had one week off last month (ostensibly to meet their constituents), then 2 weeks this month, more in May & July, then a month off in August, ad infinitum.

[area51]

26. Welcome to DU, Sonora Nora. (n/t)