Hardly working: Congress in session 126 days next year

[teko]

Republican House Majority Leader Eric Cantor released the new House calendar for the 113th Congress on Friday, and if you thought the 112th Congress was unproductive—just wait.
In 2013, the House will be in session for a grand total of 126 days. Congress will spend roughly two-thirds of the year not working. In January, Congress will be in session for eight days—which, compared to August where they will be in session for two days, is considered a “full month.” June will be Congress’ busiest month with 16 whole days of work.
If only we could all give ourselves 239 days off every year.

http://tv.msnbc.com/2012/11/30/hardly-working-congress-in-session-126-days-next-year/

[rivll]

That is sweet that you defend them. Interesting...I would have thought you guys might think they were slackers...:-)

Nice to see you back, Brice.

[nursegirl6572]

SM...that sounds correct...I do remember that there was a demand to have the members of Congress more accessible locally, to their constituents.  Now, who keeps "tabs" on them?  I'm not sure.  Are they actually working in their local offices?  Or, on the golf course?  ;0)

I think, more than actual days they're in DC, or "working", there should be more pressure to insist they're present for voting on the proposals and issues being presented.  I can understand them missing a handful (due to legit sick days, etc) but some of these guys (and girls) have horrible voting records,.  That's unacceptable.  Maybe for each vote they miss, they lose a few day's pay?  Some kind of incentive for them to not blow it off.  Heck, they could give bonuses to each person with a spotless voting record.  It's a good idera in thepry, only the "bonuses" would probably never be reasonable.  LOL

I would personally like to see their voting records scrutinized moreso than their schedule.  Come reelection time, they should have to answer to their voting records.  The opponents often use that in ads during campaign times, and I'm often amazed at how many votes some of them miss.  YIKES!

[specialmom]

I don't think that they don't work the days they aren't in session---  that is when they are in their home town offices which a few years back, there was a big push to have our legislatures more available to the people they serve locally (as in the folks who voted for them).  I'm not sure what the actual number of days they have in which they are 'off' as I think that is different than not being in session. ????

[brice1967]

Well, here ya go.  Here's where you can point some fingers about not getting anything done.  Wish I could make that kind of money for a little over a third of the year at work.  (I'd work weekends too....)

[specialmom]

When I say the senate takes a break, I meant to say a week long break each month.  

[specialmom]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/2chambers/wp/2012/11/30/2013-house-calendar-slightly-longer-than-2012/

So, they are in session a bit more this year than last.  AND, the senate has roughly similar days.  They do work a 5 day week but take a break each month.  

Congress works roughly 4 days a week but doesn't have as many breaks.  

This is done because the idea is that these folks spend time in their home state offices.  

Sometimes it helps to get the full story.