Should the US Congress be forced to follow an attendance policy?

Question

The Independent, a news organization from the UK reported today, "One thing that will not change is the rules for television coverage of the House, which is currently limited to close-up images of floor speeches. The rules do not allow panning shots that would show that, in 99 cases out of 100, the speeches were made to an empty chamber."

Any other job will require you to show up for your job to be paid. Why should we not hold congress to to an attendance policy?

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article2124265.ece

Answer 1

Agreed. They should have a 90% attendance policy mandate. They do need some leeway as to the nature of their job, but 90% attendance is not unreasonable to require.

Answer 2

Dems are on it already---full five day sessions are gonna be the norm. If a rep isn't there to vote, his constituents aren't represented, and they get p'od and can him/her--no different from the real world.

The outrageous Tues afternoon till Thurs. night 100k+ a year, full medical benefits, pension--do nothing--postions are gone. Good riddance!!

Answer 3

That is a problem that should be addressed, but then Americans can only blame themselves for the quality of their representitives. We let them get away with it so why care.

Answer 4

Absolutely. Unless there is a legitimate excuse their pay should be docked for any missed sessions.

Answer 5

Great question. IMO, absolutely there should be a policy..........with ramifications if the policy is violated.

Answer 6

Yes, yes and, hell yes!

Answer 7

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They should.