Why are Democrats in Congress Planning a Shorter Workweek?

Question

Didn't they promise to stop this way of doing things?

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/27/washington/27cong.html?ei=5065&en=439f1f8fa2e28929&ex=1194148800&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 — Shortly after winning a majority last year, Democrats triumphantly declared that they would put Congress back to work, promising an “end to the two-day workweek.” And indeed, the House has clocked more time in Washington this year than in any other session since 1995, when Republicans, newly in control, sought to make a similar point.

But 10 months into the session, with their legislative agenda often in gridlock with the Bush administration and a big election year looming, the Democrats are now planning a lighter schedule when the 110th Congress begins its second year in mid-January.

The House majority leader, Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, told fellow Democrats this week that the House would not be in session next year on Fridays, except in June...

Answer 1

Excellent question. You didn't mention the time off like four weeks for labor day. Kind of ironic isn't it?

Answer 2

They promised to end the two day work week and they've clocked more time in Washington this year than in any other session since 1995. Now they're going to a four day workweek, that's still double what the Republican Congress was doing. Meanwhile, the President has spent more time on vacation than any President since Reagan.

Answer 3

I thought it was obvious.
They are so good at what they do they deserve more time off.

I mean they have enough time to sit around or stand talking from the floor of congress about the talking heads on TV and RADIO.
That is when their not writing letters to the heads of entertainment and media trying to over ride or eliminate free speech.

Social Security and Border Security are taken care of.

Hell next they will vote themselves a raise.

On the real side, any less days they are in session is less days they can screw things up.

Answer 4

What you honestly expected a politician to deliver on a promise made while campaigning?

It is not as if they didn't know what the deal was going to be before they entered politics. They knew it meant sacrificing time with their families for the greater good of serving their constituents.

Furthermore, while I disagree vehemently with the President on everything he does, it was quite disrespectful for the author of this article to refer to him as merely "Mr." Bush as opposed to President Bush.

Answer 5

"their legislative agenda often in gridlock with the Bush administration" "a big election year looming"

Makes sense to me....there is really no reason for them to meet 5 days a week 50 weeks a year. This is totally a non issue to me.

Answer 6

They have pretty easy jobs as it is, and now they work less than 20 hours a week, and make tons of money for passing ignorant bills. I mean how hard can it be to talk to people in your area and vote in their interests.

Answer 7

Their folly is manifold.

Years ago, the Swiss, a very industrious people, had a national referendum to shorten their work week from SIX to FIVE days. It failed.

I'll add LAZY to the adjectives describing the demoncrats.

Answer 8

Because they have been so efficient delivering funding bills this year that they know they will have time to spare.

Answer 9

shorter work week...automatic pay raise every year...it must be nice not to give a damn about the American people...we need term limits on everyone in congress...

Answer 10

They want votes, period.

If elected, they won't do it and will blame the right.