Can we all say Awwww

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Apparently there is turmoil on Capital Hill as the democrats have revealed an idea that is going to destroy the families of congressmen everywhere...5 day work weeks.

Rep. Steny H. Hoyer, the Maryland Democrat who will become House majority leader and is writing the schedule for the next Congress, said members should expect longer hours than the brief week they have grown accustomed to.

To which one republican replied...

"Keeping us up here eats away at families," said Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.), who typically flies home on Thursdays and returns to Washington on Tuesdays. "Marriages suffer. The Democrats could care less about families -- that's what this says."

Gee, Jack. Sorry you can no longer make $165,200 a year for a three day workweek. I'm sure you have the sympathy of Americans everywhere.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Quick! Call the whaaambulance!

[Alex]

Congressman weren't taking four days a week off. They have things they have to do in their districts too. And better they be working on "constrituent affairs" at the home office than legislating at the national one.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Thanks for the explainer, Alex.

[MouseWife]

"Democrats could care less about families"?????

How about the families that have to work 2 or 3 jobs and never ever see their kids and make way less than that??

And how lame to blame it on being Democrat.

If they were working in their districts as well, when did they see their families, anyways? You know they took time off, etc.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Alex Stroup

Congressman weren't taking four days a week off. They have things they have to do in their districts too. And better they be working on "constrituent affairs" at the home office than legislating at the national one.

Which may be a valid argument, but "My poor family, whaaaa," hardly is.

[Scrooge McSam]

Originally Posted by Alex Stroup

Congressman weren't taking four days a week off.

That's true. You can only claim a 3 day workweek if you consider the few weeks Congress was actually in session. There were many more weeks when Congress didn't meet at all. This Congress hasn't even APPROACHED a 3 day workweek.

Yes, I'm being obtuse. I don't think it's practical or necessary to have Congress in session 5 days a week, but I definitely expect more out of them than what we've been getting.

[Moonliner]

Excellent.

Now in addition to the inherent tension between parties Hoyer is adding dissension within the party.

Gridlock. It's what for dinner.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by MouseWife

If they were working in their districts as well, when did they see their families, anyways? You know they took time off, etc.

Well, since presumably their families live in their district (though quite a few congressman move their families to Washington when in session), I would guess that just like any job they got to spend the night in their own bed with their own spouse with their own children somewhere else in the house.

I'm not saying that whining "democrats hate families" is fair. But neither is it fair to say that 3 work days in Washington and 2 work days (which is actually 4 because most congressman aren't sitting around gardening on the weekends) at home is evidence of laziness or sloth.

Also note that Hoyer is a Congressman who can drive home and sleep in his own bed every single night if he wants to (I have no idea if he does, just that getting rid of travel days isn't necessary a burden on him that it would be for his colleagues from the west coast.

Imagine a job that required your regular presence in two cities. Not only is this a big stress on families (ANY family, regardless of profession) but then you're employer essentially says: and to maximize your time in the office you have to do all the traveling on weekends. Yes, congressman are well compensated (though not as well compensated as most of them would be in private employment) but that doesn't make you bitch less about it. I know a guy who makes several million a year who throws a royal fit every time his job requires him to be away from home on the weekend.

[MouseWife]

True, being away from home is hard all around. But, they signed up for it.

And, as Scrooge McSam stated, how often did they really even do that 3 day work week? I seem to recall them having to play catch up quite often at the end? Or I am thinking of the State budgets?

Sure they'd make more money in the private sector but they aren't.

Hmmm. I don't think I even need to compare them to our military and their sacrifices. This is a dificult time for all. I appreciate your explanation but I still think their whining is in poor taste. And another stab at Dems.