For people complaining about congresspersons having weeks out of session at a time...

[Gravitycollapse]

The historical purpose for these breaks was so they could make their way back home to be with their constituency. This was factored in at a time when long distance communication involved hand delivery of letters and means of travel were crude and arduous.

Now, the technological and transportation situation has obviously changed. However, I still think there is a compelling argument to be made that congresspersons need to have semi-extended periods out of session to be with their constituency.

Not that there isn't abuse of these breaks, since congress doesn't seem terribly interested in doing anything even when they are in session. But the intent is still relevant to contemporary politics.

[JaneyVee]

1. They take 240 days a year off and get paid $176K/yr

Plus platinum health benefits. Meanwhile, they have the audacity to call poor people working 3 jobs "lazy".

[Gravitycollapse]

2. They aren't "off" 240 days a year. They are not in session. The two are not the same.

Whether or not the off session time is being used appropriately is another issue. I just don't like the argument that they should be spending every single day of the year in session. That runs counter to the proper function of congress.

The pay is inarguably obscene. And the benefits are inarguably hypocritical.

[PennsylvaniaMatt]

3. You are right....

When Congress members are not in Washington, its not like they are at home in bed, sleeping in until noon and watching TV all day. I love when people get so outraged over things like this! Some have very large districts, and have numerous offices throughout the district in which they have to oversee operations at these offices. They are speaking at events, meeting with constituents, etc. Also, because of the current election cycle structure, they are constantly having to campaign! I, personally, like the concept of Congress members, regardless of their party, spending a lot of time in their home district rather than in Washington.

[FarCenter]

4. This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session --

This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when the baby gets hold of a hammer.

Will Rodgers

[NV Whino]

5. The month of August is for meeting with constituents

And they spend more of their time off fundraising than meeting with constituents. So, I will continue to bitch about the amount of time off they take. If they actually accomplished something when they were in session, I might stop bitching. But they take an exorbitant amount of time off to fundraise and campaign to get reelected and do nothing when they are reelected.

[okaawhatever]

6. I say forced office hours for their constituents like college professors. nt

[liberal_at_heart]

7. Then why are they so out of touch with their constituency? Could it be because they

are accepting too much lobbying money? These breaks don't do anything but allow them time off. They don't listen to their constituency.