When congressman and senators are speaking on the house or senate floor - how many are there in attendance?

Question

On average, when they are speaking about various subjects, how many congressmen or senators are actually there listening?

I imagine it must be discouraging, if noone shows up to listen. Why aren't there any requirements, that they have to be there to listen to arguements? Isn't that their job? Rather than be in the hallways talking to lobbyists?

Answer 1

I agree they should have to show up for work. I have been to the State House in SC when I was in high school for a field trip and was shocked to see that no one on the floor was paying any attention. There were almost parties going on all over the place and people laughing it up but no one was paying attention. What is really sad is that if you look at how they voted on issues you will find that lots of them will not even bother to vote if it is a controversial issue so they can play both sides of the issue later ( I didn't vote for it or I didn't vote against it).

Answer 2

Only those whose golf games got cancelled.