Congress' Real Deadline: Summer Vacation

One way or another, it's a pretty safe bet that the issue will (at least temporarily) be resolved by the fifth of August, at the absolute latest. Bank on it. The reason for such certainty is a simple one: if the debate goes on in any way past that date, then it will start to cut into Congress' month-long summer vacation. Which is (as any observer of American politics should know full well) the one unthinkable bridge-too-far in Washington. Because Congress' vacations are sacred... at least, to them.

Politically, Congress would have to stay in session if the economy was collapsing around us. Obama would demand Congress stay until the work was done, and the American people would back him up with a roar. The portion of the working public who gets to take twenty weeks off (paid, of course) every year is, to be blunt, non-existent. Congress' normal "August recess" would become the main story, if they foolishly chose to actually go home after such a fiasco.

Which is why I, for one, know that by the end of next Friday, Congress will have passed something or another which President Obama will sign. I have no idea what it'll be, but the alternative for the Congresscritters is so unthinkable -- having to actually work during August in the Washington miasmic heat -- that I know that something is going to get done. Call me cynical, but it's almost always a winning bet that Congress -- under no circumstances -- ever cuts back on its own vacation time. By the end of next week, at the absolute latest, Congress will act. And then they'll fly back home to enjoy their summer vacation, as usual.

Kulkulkan wrote:We should do to Congress (as well as certain state legislatures) what they do to the Cardinals at the Vatican; Conclave. This Latin word means "with key", that is, the Cardinals are literally locked down in the Sistine Chapel until they choose a new Pope! Once, in the Middle Ages, the people of Rome took the roof off since the election was taking too long.

No pay or time off until the work is done! Congress is elected to do our work, and should be punished for not doing so. When I was "allowed" to work, such negligence would have resulted in at least a good reprimand, if not a firing. Should not those in charge of this mess have the same treatment?

462Tech wrote:

Kulkulkan wrote:We should do to Congress (as well as certain state legislatures) what they do to the Cardinals at the Vatican; Conclave. This Latin word means "with key", that is, the Cardinals are literally locked down in the Sistine Chapel until they choose a new Pope! Once, in the Middle Ages, the people of Rome took the roof off since the election was taking too long.

No pay or time off until the work is done! Congress is elected to do our work, and should be punished for not doing so. When I was "allowed" to work, such negligence would have resulted in at least a good reprimand, if not a firing. Should not those in charge of this mess have the same treatment?

Yes I agree with you, the American people should hold the politicians accountable for their actions or lack of. Todays government isn't about the people. A politician running for office will say what the public wants to hear. Once in office said politician has their own interests/agenda not the American people. Sad, but true.