How out of proportion are Congressional “recesses” compared to average time off?
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Technically, they get quite a lot of recess time and days back at home with constituents. We did the math (see below) and it comes to more than three months a year, on average, since 1977.
In reality, congressional supporters SAY the job entails long hours at unexpected times, with lots of energy devoted to fundraising and talking to constituents back home.
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Days in non-leap year: 365
Days spent in D.C.: 140
Weekend days: 105
Federal holidays: 10
Recess/travel/state work days: 110…
The average American worker gets 16 days of combined vacation and holiday time per year.
The basic premise that members of Congress work “to serve the people” is flawed! Ask ANY congressperson to describe their job and then apply a “Plain English” translator to it and you will hear, “to be reelected!”
Particularly for the summer recess, but the rest of the “days off” in the year, weather permitting, Sam Rayburn would sit on his front porch, 60 feet from a US highway, as an invitation for citizens to come by and discuss issues. Anyone imagine Ryan doing that?
Masterskrain Premium Member over 6 years ago
So, how can we tell the difference? They don’t do anything when they ARE in session…
Radish the wordsmith over 6 years ago
Trump solved all of the Republicans problems on his first day!
Ontman over 6 years ago
Get rid of the playground monitor…..or find one.
superposition over 6 years ago
How about hide and seek with voters?
How out of proportion are Congressional “recesses” compared to average time off?
" …
Technically, they get quite a lot of recess time and days back at home with constituents. We did the math (see below) and it comes to more than three months a year, on average, since 1977.
In reality, congressional supporters SAY the job entails long hours at unexpected times, with lots of energy devoted to fundraising and talking to constituents back home.
…
Days in non-leap year: 365
Days spent in D.C.: 140
Weekend days: 105
Federal holidays: 10
Recess/travel/state work days: 110…
The average American worker gets 16 days of combined vacation and holiday time per year.
…"
https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/so-how-much-vacation-does-congress-actually-get-each-year/
wellis1947 Premium Member over 6 years ago
The basic premise that members of Congress work “to serve the people” is flawed! Ask ANY congressperson to describe their job and then apply a “Plain English” translator to it and you will hear, “to be reelected!”
dogday Premium Member over 6 years ago
OK, I don’t get it: How are the recess days pictured above different from the days they’re in session?
Hippogriff over 6 years ago
Particularly for the summer recess, but the rest of the “days off” in the year, weather permitting, Sam Rayburn would sit on his front porch, 60 feet from a US highway, as an invitation for citizens to come by and discuss issues. Anyone imagine Ryan doing that?