A Congressman has to raise at least $10,000 a week for his reelection campaign. Since the 110th Congress convened, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has put the House on a 5-day workweek. Some members are complaining because the schedule leaves them little time to go back home to meet constituents, take care of matters in their districts, and yes, to raise funds in order to keep their jobs. I normally don’t make it my business to defend Congress but is the 5-day workweek really necessary or is it just showboating by the Democratic Congress in order to look good?
What good can Congress do in a 5-day workweek? One unintended consequence could be that the MCs will lose touch with the voters back home. Another is that Congress will pass too many dumb laws. But on the other hand, if they are forced to actually educate themselves on matters of the State then perhaps it will mean the we’d have a more efficient Government. Maybe if Congressmen did not have to go home so often, maybe if they could communicate with their constituents back home via satellite then perhaps they stay connected to the people that they serve. I’m all for Congress working better but more does not equal better.
Or maybe, it’s simply good for the American people to see that their tax dollars are actually being put into maximum use when they see their Representative or Senator on C-Span everyday.
1 response so far ↓
SoberFace // October 11, 2007 at 8:04 pm
3 words would get congress members back in DC working on legislation, and less stress of meeting fund deadlines for reelection at home. Campaign Finance Reform.