Should Congress adjourn early when they haven't passed a budget?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Our lawmakers ought to be ashamed of themselves:
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/02/17/art.debt.clock.jpg caption="A 2009 file photo of the National Debt Clock. That number now stands at over $13 trillion."]
They've yet to pass a federal budget, but some in Congress still think it's a good idea to leave town early to go home and campaign for the upcoming midterm elections. You know - go home and tell the folks what a great job they're doing.
The new fiscal year starts on October 1, and there are no signs Congress will have a new budget in place by then. This is inexcusable. Our national debt now tops $13 trillion. Annual deficits are running at more than $1 trillion. And without a budget it is impossible to have any idea what the hell the government is doing with our money. Our money.
In place of a budget, Congress usually passes what are called "continuing resolutions" for a month or two at a time. This prevents the federal government from shutting down. At this rate, Congress might not finalize a budget until after January - when the new Congress is sworn in. Four months from now.
So far, neither the House nor the Senate has even passed a formal budget resolution - which usually happens in the spring - last spring.
It's not to tough to figure out why there's no budget. Congress doesn't want to vote on a budget that could mean tough spending cuts right before an election. Heaven forbid. In other words, they are cowards.
But, no matter. Nancy Pelosi and the rest of the so-called House leaders are thinking about adjourning October 1 - a week earlier than scheduled - so they can go campaign for re-election. It's just disgraceful.
Here’s my question to you: Should Congress consider adjourning early to campaign when they haven't passed a federal budget?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 5pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Do the job you were elected to do!
What are you afraid of? Most of you won't be around after this election anyway.
Jack,
I agree with your sentiment, but given the inability of Congress to keep spending under control, I think the option of keeping them away from Washington printing presses just prior to an election and in front of the public answering questions may actually be a better option. Who knows, maybe some will lose their jobs and wake up some of the others.
No. They should not. They're paid very well to do a job. Taking time off from the job knowing that they'll fall far behind deadlines as a result is irresponsible. Name one job that allows you to take time off while not completing the workload required of you prior to the time off. PTO mind you. On our dime none the less. I understand the Dems are in a bit of trouble and feel the need to fight a rising insurgency from indies and repubs, but how better to show your merrit than complete the tough projects that need to be completed? I agree 100% it's cowardly to leave off dirty work till after you've been re-elected. Or better yet, give it to the incoming majority should you be ousted. Win win for the party in power.
This is just another example of our legislators arrogance. They were elected to do a job. If the job is not complete, they stay there until it is complete. In this case it happens to be the budget, which is paramount to running the country! If they want to go and campaign, fine, but only after the job they were elected to do is finished. No exceptions.
Congress should have had a budget a long time ago. They should also try to start balancing it, and a good way would be to let all tax cuts expire. That does not even take any action from them. Imagine that....solving our problems without doing a thing. Unfortunately they will keep bickering and will not work together to solve our nations problems.
No. And there should be a constitutional amendment to prevent it. I know, good luck with that, right?
'Budget? We don't need no stinkin' budget!' That's their attitude. They're going home early to campaign which is proof, they're only in this for themselves – NOT their constituents. Hope they've gotten their asbestos suits back from the cleaners because the voters are ready, willing and able to flame on!
Wimberley, TX
Funny how this works; let's leave work early, because as you said 1) we don't want to do HARD work, and 2) we have better things to do...push to get re-elected!
I might be mistaken, but recently, didn't the same bunch insist on coming back early, stay late to push some other "work" through the system...as long as it was good for their re-election agenda.
This is like an hour long TV program, our lawmakers spend a third of their elected time devoted to "commercials"!
I agree Jack, we should be ashamed of our lawmakers who do not really seem to want to "work" for us...either side of the aisle!
If the Republicans win this November, prepare for this to get worse. They will use their power of the purse to essentially shut down government, and those tea-partiers who depend on Social Security, Medicare, and other government programs will find their checks held hostage to a party and a political environment that turns every budget into a melodrama.
Yes, Congress should do more than just pass continuing resolutions. But you should be aware that a lot of the political obstructionism is coming from people who never got a budget in on time the whole time they ran Congress.
Jack, HELL NO!! However, they will, which just shows (again) that they are not concerned with running our country, only with getting re-elected to their cushie jobs. You called it absolutely right-they are cowards! Kick them ALL out!
Hi Jack-
We should have term limits on Congress. 4 years for both the House and Senate and then turn it all over. Start it off with 25% turn over in year 1 and go through year 4. No one worried about re-election may equal some progress. Do away with the Senate retirement- it won't be needed. It's insane what the career politicians have done to this country. It's obvious they've put their own wants and needs before those of the country.....criminal.
Kelly- Fargo, ND
Jack, it is time for another idiot to come in and BS us. They never ever get anything done. I am interested in after all the hoop la is over, what direction will out country will head. Now is the time for the voters to make up their mind. Send a loud clear message that the American people are tired and fed up with congress acting like kids instead of trying to run the country.
Does this surprise you? Both parties are so busy playing political games they forget why they are in Washington. What is happening with the budget is just one example of the stagnation that occurs when children are put in charge of the country. It is up to us to choose candidates who at least look like they have reached maturity no matter which party they are in. We need to vote for people who talk about how they will work with other members of Congress and with the White House to accomplish what needs to be done.
This is absolutely childish. When are these so called "representatives" going to get it. The country is pissed at the lousy job they have done and they don't seem to care. I expect them to do their job just like my employer expects me to do mine. That includes a budget. Its unfortunate "We the People" cannot withhold their salaries until they get-r-done!! We need more national level referendums. I am so ashamed of this congress!!!
Republicans, the just say noers, have blocked even national security appointments. Why would you think they would pass a budget?
It is their job to make decisions, no matter how hard they may be. It doesn't matter if they may not be there come next year. They should be forced to make a decision now since just letting this decision drag out is just a ploy. If the choice is to be blamed for action or blamed for inaction, I think it is better to stand up for something rather than do nothing at all.
Hey America, welcome to California!
Of course they shouldn't and they may be in for a big shock when voter anger goes against the incumbents this November. Of course it's too late to close that barn door after the fact! That dark horse that got out will already be winning the race.
Why wouldn't Pelosi and her gang leave early.
Fellow Dems leave work early all over the country.
Of course not, but how about 'we the people' add some employment rules for our elected employees? Like if a budget is not passed at least three months prior to the start of a new fiscal year, everyone in Congress forfeits their jobs.
I am the CFO at my company and I would lose my job if I didn't have our company budget finalized on time. Why should we allow them a mulligan?
I'm a National Guardsman on special active duty orders. If Congress doesn't pass at least the the defense portion of the budget by Oct. 1, my job goes unfunded. "I'm waiting on congress" isn't going to be good enough for the rent man. My bills don't adjourn with Congress
No – Congress must be kept in session till all parts of the federal budget bills have been passed.
Why let them loose to campaign? If the public has any smarts none of them will be re-elected anyway.
The law should be changed to reflect that Congress is only paid for the amount of hours worked. In that case, they should go home as they are costing us money and not doing anything.
Didn't they just get BACK from a break? Maybe they should work like the rest of us..........
Jack,
Congress should stay in session and pass a budget. Since they cannot help the President and the American People at the same time. Give them one task, pass a budget. Remember it has always been about getting elected not serving the people. Why do you think we have so many senior members of congress? Their re-election is more important than serving the people. This economic crisis did not start when President Obama was elected. It started 8 to 10 years ago, yes it hit bottom with President Obama. The GOP – Got No Plans Party and The Tea Party (The Other GOP) claim they are conservative, yes they are when it squeezes their wallet. What's conservative about not voting for someone else to have health insurance, when you have it? What's conservative about opposing everything the President wants for the Middle Class? Conservatism is Opposition to Change.
Yes, let them adjourn, as all they'll do is spend more money. And the people on November 2nd should help all 435 of them adjourn permanently. We have "term limits" in the house, as we get a chance to vote for these people every two years. It's just a matter of electing people that understand, like you said, that it is "our money", not theirs.
Last time I left work early without doing my job I was also carrying a cardboard box of personal belongings and a pink slip. Give me half of a congressional reps salary and half of their benefits package and I will work year-round.
No only no but hell no in fact President obama could make his mark with the American people by forcing congress back into a special session until a new budget has been passed. When are the American people going to hold their elected officials accountable for their actions and duties for the positions they hold. Keep electing the do nothing officials and we will continue down this road to nowhere forever. The time has come to fire the lazy do nothing but get reelected members of congress and replace them with people who know how to change things and make this country work again.
I don't think adjourning early to promote what a great job you've done is necessary. Your past record should stand for itself. Let me see....I need to leave my job early, even though my work is incomplete, to facebook everyone about what a great job I am doing at work. Enough already....do your job like we all are expected to do!
Absolutely not. In fact, they shouldn't even be allowed to shower or shave until they pass a budget. Many of these late budgets just add to the tax burden. And there have been too many, under EVERY administration. It's time the Congress remembers who they work for, and start doing their jobs. You want meaningful reform in DC? It will never happen because the people tasked with making the reform are the ones who would be put out of a job.
The failure to pass a budget before facting their constituents in the mid-terms should surprise no one. The Republicans have been the party of no throughout this Congress and the Democrats can't muster their own members to pass meaningful legistlation. They should all go home permanently.
Not surprising if you consider that a large number of our House and Senate "leaders" have never been truly accountable for managing a business, business unit or other entity where time and money are limited resources. This trend is not helped by the fact that the average senator has been in office for 12.8 years or just over 2 terms, while the average length of service in the house is 9.3 years or 4.5 terms. In other words, a large percentage of our congressional leaders either enter their office without the skills to accountably manage a budget, or they stay so long they cant remember how to do so...
Very brave stance, making fun of Congress. You are the only one brave enough to jump on this bandwagon and kick people while they are down. The GOP is eager to do nothing, and going home early suits them fine, and the Dems are laughing behind their hands at the Party of NO.
They have done enought damage,what ever budget they do pass will be in the red . Please send them home now.
Well, why not this Congress puts Party First.....People, issues
and tough decisions second. The concern is being elected or power versus doing what is correct for the American people. The integrity is gone, the self serving rhetoric is in. Accomplishing what is correct
and decisive is gone. Saying or doing what is politically correct is in.
Worring about re-election is in, having the back bone to do what's needed is out.
So, let them go home not much has been accomplished of value with them there.
It boogles my mind that we keep voting in these clowns who are suppose to represent us and once elected, don't listen to the voices of the people...the very people who elected them in the first place! Now, it election time again, and they will not make any tough decision's, as they want to ensure that they get their pensions, or gold parachutes for doing absolutely nothing. We voter's have got to step up to the plate, and ensure that we won't continue to settle for incompent representation!
Congress always seems to do what they want to do no matter what we think of it. Sadly, I feel that even if we voted every member out, we would be back to the same spot within a few years anyway. The bottom line is power corrupts, except when you are campaigning.
Jack – you sound both surprised and taken back by this latest travesty. This is simply the latest in a series of childish behaviors that fuel the rhetoric of people such as the tea baggers.
The only solution is to simply vote anti-incumbent in November.
I think its just another example of how they don't live in the real world i don't go home at the end of the day telling my boss i didn't feel like getting the job done we need to tell them like we would be told don't come back tomorrow .These breaks were created when it would take 3 months to cross the united states, and although the airlines move at a crawl they don't need the breaks they get
Yes, they should adjourn; as long as they hand in their resignations at the same time!!
Spineless cowards is more like it! Our forefathers are no doubt gnashing their teeth and trying to climb out of their graves to get at them!
Why do we (the people) still allow these self- centered, egotistical jerks continue to get away with this? The American public deserves these politicians if all they do is gripe. Wake up America – it is time for a complete overhaul of the system in D.C. Let's start with banning lobbyists, setting term limits, provide the same heath care/dental/prescription coverage that everyone else has and finally – the only way these jokers should ever get a pay raise for how well they are serving, is when the American people vote on it!!!!!
They should stay in session, Jack, but I haven't heard one Republican leader complain about the early dismissal either. You seem awfully anxious to jump on the "Nancy Pelosi = Satan" bandwagon. You seem to forget the record spending under Republican rule. We could get out of our national debt if we cut way back on the defense budget by removing all our troops from all foreign soil, closing overseas bases and holding contractors accountable. That alone would shore up social security and medicare forever.
I think its time to cut Congress’ salaries down to about $40,000 a year, have them buy their own health insurance, pay their travel expenses, take away their aides, and their pensions. Maybe then they’ll think twice about us, the poor slobs they work for, and what it actually means to work.
In my line of work, I can't go on vacation unless I've completed the work required of me by its deadlines. Congress is "hired" by the American people to complete certain functions, one of which is passing a budget. If they fail to do so, I say we follow suit with the private sector and "fire" them all.
Jack, I am in favor of EVERY American worker going on STRIKE no matter what their profession when ever Congress goes on "recess". If they can spend our money and go on vacation without doing any work, why should WE do any work OR pay any taxes. Let's see them deal with that economic crisis.
No Jack, The Congress should not adjourn before doing its job, called the nation's business–like passing a federal budget on time!! It is indeed disgraceful that our political leaders shirk their public responsibilities and go home. They are more concerned with re-election and staying in office instead of earning that priviledge. Alas, Congress has been doing this for years. I cannot even remember the last time Congress passed a federal budget on time– I guess that time was 1983? We need to make this problem a political/campaign issue in November 2010 and 2012!!
Congress should plan on adjourning permanently. We would be better off if they all just left for good. Let the American tax payer vote for bills via the internet.
Sure, and I will just not pay my taxes next year since they aren't needed for the non-existant budget. Fair Trade, right?
Jack, for as long as you've been around, I can't believe you still don't know how Congress works. It's all about elections, elections, elections.
In other words it's the elections, stupid! The powerful party is demonized and the party out of power will sell their mother into white slavery to regain their power. Elections today would be the envy of P.T. Barnum who professed there's a sucker born every minute. Welcome to the new American intellect. Rome is in flames!
They should go home, stay home & send back someone willing to work.
How could the answer to that be anything but yes. With all the screaming about spending if there is no budget then just shut the Government down. No one gets paid and any one who walks off the job will prove they don't care about the country they only care about getting paid, right. Let's see how many start screaming about all those things that are there for them then.
They should leave it alone and take all their stuff with them! They havent been doing a good job for the last 6 yrs! Time for new blood and and ideas!
At the risk of sounding like a Tea Party crazy. Congress has gotten lost in the idea that they have people to serve. it appears that they are only concerned with November for themselves as opposed to tomorrow for citizens throughout the country. It is time congressmen fulfill their civic duties and do something that will help the constituents of the nation as opposed to padding their pockets and helping themselves.
No they shouldn't. In fact they should not campaign at all until we have a budget. What would be even better is to stop paying them and take away that fabulous health care we pay for until that act like grown ups and do their job, govern.
yes perminently
I pray that they will adjourn early and return late. The longer they are out of Washington, the less damage they do and the fewer lies they tell....
That's a funny question, Jack. I thought Congress had been adjourned this entire time.
Congress might as well adjourn permanently. By definition, the U.S. of A. has a government.. But, it certainly has no governance, even when Congress is in session.
OMG- can we possible give these people anymore rope to hang themselves with. The real question is, Where is the executioner to pull the lever?
Sure why not. They would have to stay working all the way up to the election because the Republicans would block anything they come up with. Nothing would be accomplished so they might as well campaign to try and hold their positions.
Congress sucks! They're part of the problem and there's hundreds of them. We Americans must vote them out. There're no other choices to fix this political nightmare we live in today..
It's as you said Jack, SHAMEFUL. I am so very disgusted with both parties. All I can do now is keep voting anti-incumbent. They have no shame in Washington. NONE!
Of course not, Jack. But have you ever not opened your credit card bill for a couple days because you know its nothing but bad news?
Rick
Toronto
NO – They should stay until they pass a budget. I believe that has happened before. I say vote them all out and start over. What a waste of taxpayer money and faith.
No they should not leave early unless they are leaving permanently . .
Most people would get fired if work has not been completed promptly, lets see if the politicians would complete there jobs if we the people had to power to recall them at anytime.
No, but what can we do about it? Big money will control our supposed "Representatives." Us little people have no say in our government.
I hope they do Jack. I hope they pass a continuing resolution long enough to extend until next year, when the republicans will come back as the majority and do it right.
Congress needs to adopt a policy where the only way 'out' is 'through' - no budget, no adjournment, early or otherwise! Do your job. THEN go home to campaign for the chance to do it again. Anything less is shameful.
Sure they should. Why not since they are only campaigning from D.C. right now anyway. Why should they continue to get free publicity, let them go home and pay for it on the local networks.
Jack, If Congress does not pass a budget before they leave on another recess, I consider it a job failure to do what we elected them to do. I think they should not go on leave until the job is done. If they do then stop paying them until they finish their job. If that doesn't work we will vote every last one of them out of office. I really don't care who gets their jobs as it will certainly be an upgrade to what is in office now.
What's new? No they shouldn't be taking a break now.Congress usually plays politics over taking care of business for their constituents. It doesn't matter what side of the aisle they're on. It's quite frustrating.
The doors should all be welded shut and not opend again until all the bills have been dispatched and a new budget is in place. That way all the work they could have done during the year will have been completed. Food deliveries you say? They are all "FAT CATS". They can afford to shed a lot of pounds. Just do it.
Absolutley not!! They need to balance the budget whether they like it or not!
They should not adjourn, but they will, because they can, and they will be re-elceted again and again thanks to the brain dead voters. Billions in war funding ,billions in unemployment benefits, billions in bailouts, billions in tax breaks for corporations that outsource jobs and hire illegals, billions in corporate welfare, billions on defense spending, billions in handouts to pharma, hospitals and doctors, and trillions in debt but no one is willing to vote them out of office.
Hell No, Finish the job your paid to do or get fired.
"Cowards" you chose a great word for the politicians who are too busy getting elected for another term to actually serve the public that elected them in the first place. We need a budget to see just how bad it really is!
They should not adjourn until they get a budget passed. I have had to cancel vacations due to work commitments and these people want to start early?? What a joke! Supposedly coming home to tell us all what a fine job they've been doing when we can SEE what a mess we're in and that Congress has done NOTHING to address the serious issues facing our country. These people would not survive in the private sector; we in the private sector are actually expected to produce results. This is a concept that Congress evidently is unable to grasp!
Jenny in Hillsboro, Oregon
Yes, they should go home and stay there. No Congress would probably be better than what we have now.
Once upon a time political office was an unpaid community service. Even during our lives, some offices only paid a small per diem. Ant then politicians convinced us that most offices were full time jobs and deserved comparable salaries.
I don’t believe that the public should be able to tell Congress what their schedule should be, but I think America should require a job description that includes requirements for the hours worked and number of days off.
If they go full-time, maybe they will have time to do their job.
Same-o-same-o Jack. That's the way George Bush did when in office. It was late fall before his was passed.
No need to try to pass anything since the Party of No is anti everything.
They should leave now and not come back, Jack! They have ruined us! Come this November they will have plenty of time to rest at home, thank God! Maybe some will even have the opportunity to stand in line at the unemployment office like millions of Americans are doing now thanks to their "bright" ideas at work!
Miami, Fla
No, Congress should stay in DC and do their job – you know the job they're actually paid kinda decent money w/ over-the-top benefits to perform – key word: perform! They appear to have taken a clue from the State of California – where budget horseplay became the norm years ago – no rigor, no discipline, no reality – and look where we are now! You're right, Jack – utterly disgraceful – and I would add: incompetent.
Dear Jack,
Congress should adjourn a week early – to clean out their offices. If ever there was a call to oust the incumbency, this is it. That our elected representatives can even fathom leaving before the basic work of the people is done speaks volumes of their integrity and ethics. It's time to renew the life in congress – how about "Decision 2020: A New Vision for America" – an election year we clean house and back a wave of Gen-X all grown up and ready to take their country back? I'll be happy to kick off the movement....
Martin
Alexandria, VA
Jack
Great question however; the response of the people does not matter due to the fact Congress does not listen to us.
They WILL listen in November.
Ed from Tampa
Yes Jack. They should adjourn early. They should go home to their districts and not go back to washington. Maybe we get lucky and they don't get an opportunity to pass a budget because they don't have a job come november.
It just goes to show they are more interested in keeping their jobs than actually doing them. I would have more respect for a candidate if he/she put off campaigning (mud slinging) to accomplish something-anything beneficial. Alas, it's too much to ask as usual.
Karen
Chicago, IL
Not only should they be allowed to go home early, but they should not even come back until the elections are over. The less time they are in session, the less of our money they can fritter away.
Tucson, AZ – It is a little known fact the Congress is neither required to pass a budget at all nor to follow it if they do. The bills that do count are not the budget bill, but the tax bill and the appropriations bill. Those must be passed before the end of the session, in December, and they will be. This issue is, in fact a red herring, because the entire Congressional budget process is, in reality, a charade.
Jack, Jack, Jack. You have complained about congress implying they should all go home Now you are complaining because they are taking your advice...
Joe
Alabama
Does it suprise anyone that these bums are worried about their own bums instead of worrying about the plight of America. The chance of a third party is becoming more favorable day by day. TERM LIMITS!!
I think not, they should have to finish their job. when I was in the Navy I had to finish my job before I got the chance to leave, so should they
Would it make a difference? Working with the Party of NO. They shouldn't be allowed to leave unless they done their job. What are we paying them for... to sit around and play tug a war like naughty boys? They should postpone the elections until they grow up and do what they've promised and are supposed to be doing.
I feel that congress will do what they want no matter what. It is clear that the business of America is not in their interest. American’s will vote for the best man in November. We will see a complete turnover in government and I fear that things will only get worse economically.
They should not leave to take a campaign vacation. They should be locked in Congress until they have a budget, thats what they are elected and paid for. Lock them in just like the Vatican does to elect a new Pope.
Jack – Have you been living on some distant planet. The Congress has not passed a budget bill prior to the start of the Fiscal Year on October 1 in more than 16 years. Why would you think they would do it this year!!!
John
Congress should do as our founding fathers intended- Come to Washington in January, adopt a budget by March and then go home and plant their crops, then come back to Washington after harvest. Adopting a budget is their primary Constitutional duty.
Congress needs to be like a lot of State Legislatures, only have a limited number of legislative days
This is ridiculous. This congress just gets worse and worse.
More meat for the Tea Party. The people expect that the least our representatives and senators can do for us, is to do their jobs. To
retire early with no budget is toally inappropriate.
Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes. Send 'em packin'! They'll do less harm and simply aggravate their own constituency. In the meantime, you guys can concentrate on other topics besides congressional silliness. It'll be a great "vacation" for us all!
If they stay in session they will just screw up the country more than they already have. Get them out now-forever.
Yes Jack, because the Congress couldn't pass one bill if American lives depended on it. And they won't agree in January either. Because Congress is a lame duck, and we don't want to waste Congress's valuable time when they should be golfing. But Americans should make them waddle home like lame ducks in the next election cycle.
HELL NO they still work for us and the job is not done we are 13 trillion in debt and its only gonna get worse. But hey they are gonna do what is best for them cause thats all they seem to care about, getting elected so they can get paid while the public struggles for a job.
It doesn't matter what they do Jack. Didn't you know its all just a game? enjoy your life and let the children play. The budget can be fixed by just erasing the numbers and daring China to do something about it.
As a proud member of the Cynical Party, I expect nothing less.
And people wonder why there is little faith in government these days. Somehow, the we the people have to pull our collective heads from our asses and see that that the people in our congress, no matter their pretty words, do not represent them! They will not understand your dailey struggles – how could they? When was the last time, if ever they had to meet a payroll or defer making a car payment because something else came up? What health-care are they using, is it the same as ours? No! Send them back! Make them work a real job! Make them struggle a little to understand the larger picture of what is exactly happening in the US and to its people!
I absolutely agree with calling this proposed early adjournment a disgrace–Congress needs to pass a federal budget and they should do it, regardless of concerns over re-election. This is a prime example of why there should be a 2-term limit in Congress. This limit would actually put the focus back on real bi-partisan action and progress (and put in office people who are truly hungry for progress), rather than a focus on continued re-elections to Washington D.C. that allow for avoidance of the very issues that Americans experience as a result of Congressional inaction. There should be no such thing as a "career politician".
Of course they aren't going to pass a budget OR balance the budget and- guess what?- it's not their fault. It's our fault: the American people.
Look Jack, it's all nice and dandy for us to demand a balanced budget, but the reality is the American people are in no way actually willing to do it nor understand how hard that really is. Sure, on the one hand we'll demand that the our government "balance the budget" but then turn right back around and say that we want tax cuts and a rejuvinated, stable economy. We can't have it both ways and no ammount of magical accounting will fix the budget.
But boy, do we love to blame our politicians for our own mess.
Jack,
"I'll huff and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house down!, said the voters. Not by the hairs of my chinny chinny chin said Nancy Pelosi – because the bank has foreclosed on our house and we are leaving town.....
John Gardiner
Denver, Colorado
Not having a budget in place yet is disgraceful, but with the future of this country riding on the November elections I can certainly understand the reasoning.
U.S. citizens apparently expect Democrats to use a magic wand to fix this country...... any more of this intelligent stuff and they're outa there!
they should do everything thing they can to pass Federal budget why because they are household leaders
This is relatively simple to solve folks. Fire them. Vote for the non-incumbent regardless of party or experience.
Would it do any good if they did pass a budget all we have is a stack of I.O.U.'s and no money's .
No they shouldn't leave early. Even if they left Washington today and went full time on the campaign trail what could they possibly have to tell their constitutes that will get them to vote for them? I say ground their aircraft and take away their travel vouchers until they come up with a budget. The alternative is find another job. Shouldn't the president be chiming in about now about not getting a budget to sign?
Jack, of course congress is more worried about re-election than performing the responsibility they want to be re-elected for. Our government increasingly resembles Hollywood, where scandles, cheating, tax evasion, lack of ethics ....rules, and this not only applies to Democrats, and Republicans, but all government employees.Someday, maybe, we'll discover as a nation that extreme liberalism has overrun our country and we see an end of the American Way as it is today.
Like the rest of us, they can work remotely and vote when they get back. We should be less interested in where our leaders are, and more interested in them developing a BALANCED budget.
Hey, Jack! If they haven't had time to nail down a budget, just what have they been doing? Maybe we should put our representitives on piecework. If nothing moves out the door, no money moves into their pockets.
Jack, this is the same group of people that votes themselves a pay raise and based on the things that they run from, I'd call them something besides cowards, I call them shisters. Dopey Pelosi and Sleepy Reid as well as the rest of them including Republicans need to be voted out.
Since they have no intentions of doing anything anyway, I think they should just go home. Schools here in south Georgia taking furlough days to save money. Let these politicians go campaign and politic all they want, just count it as furlough days, no pay and no benefits. We do have a massive deficit you know, it's time for them to make a sacrifice. They have made it clear they have no plans to accomplish anything until the new folks are sworn in. I'm amazed they have no concept of just how unworthy they are, with so much power, yet they do nothing but play political games with our lives.
No they should not adjourn. As a private business owner I do not "recess" when my business is in crisis, I knuckle down and do what is right by my staff and my customers. How stupid do they think the American public is? If these people, both Republican and Democrats alike, cannot do the job they were elected to do, than they should be fired. This is what happens in the real world.
It doesn't matter how ashamed voters might be when members of congress seem convinced they are doing a great job. They are never ashamed, and that is the problem. Send them all packing!
Falls Church, VA
You have to remember Jack, this is not about what's good for the country. They really don't care about anything but keeping their jobs. Which is why come November a lot of them will be unemployed like the rest of us.
Absolutely disgusting. Vote every incompetent, self-serving incumbent out in November.
Jack,
NO! They should stay and get the job done now. If this were a "regular" job they would be fired for gross incompetence and negligence. Unfortunately we cannot just fire them, we have to try to vote them out. And there is always enough idiots with memory loss that vote them back in.
Cal
Of course not but there's a silver lining here. Congress highlighting their irresponsibility with their willingness to place their own interests above the country's interests just might help get these destructive clowns out of office.
With all the problems in this nation why would Congress ever adjourn early?
The line from Blazing Saddles was never more appropriate ….. "oh my god ….. what about our phony baloney jobs?" that is what is really important to them, oh and yes they do care about all the little people and the budget …sure......a pox on all of them
They might just as well adjourn today for all the differnece it will make. It's obvious they have no intention of paying any credible attention to anything that serves the peoples' best interest. The real problem with this is they can get away with it. However, a typical middle class household in this economy might find that difficult to achieve. Gee, I think that's a double standard! Oh, no worries though because they know what's best for us.
They pull this kind of garbage all the time.
They're getting paid, and unless they get booted from their posts, they've got job security for however long their term might be.
Why should they give a rat's backside about any of their constituents who voted them into office in the first place?
Which is another reason why I will be staying away from the polls and elections for the foreseeable future. I am done with American politics. Yes, they should adjourn, go home, live without a job, balance their own budgets on a fixed income or no income, stand in line for unemployment only to be told that they won't get a check that month because Congress or the Senate don't agree, beg the landlord and the utility companies for just a little more time to try and come up with the money. In short, they should have to go home and live like the majority of their constituents and then maybe they could truly make decisions based on reality, rather than what their deep pocket contributers want them to do.
Ok so to answer your question, No. Putting aside the importance of these decisions, I just can't get my head around the amount of vacation the leaders of a nation think they're entitled to. In my opinion, when you become a public servant, and reap the benefits, you are obligated to work as hard as you can to the betterment of the public. Two weeks paid vacation maximum per year. Sitting in a room and reading over legislation is NOT harder than being a roofer or mechanic or any other job!
Yet another reason not to vote for ANY incumbents this november.
No, its not right for them to leave early to campaign, but they will anyway. If they want to campaign early maybe we should move election day to Halloween. The way things are in Washington that would be fitting, wouldn't it?
No, but then.......they have been on vacation for the last 40 years so how much harm can there be in going home one week early. They will not pass a budget and will continue to play politics with ot for as long as they can. It seems like the only time they are eager to stay in DC and agree on anything is when they get ready to send our children to war.
Hey Jack,
You bet, I think they should go home now, and do not bother to come back, they are not going to do anything anyway, why clutter up Washington!
How would they feel if a surgeon left the operating room before he finished the surgery?! or Is the life of the country is not as important as the life of the individual?!Congressmen and congresswomen ought to take their job seriously and up to the standards that they expect others to perform in.
Why not. They leave us all the time. Must take time to campaign to stay with some power. They must remember, they "work" for us!!!
Maybe the Republicans spoke too fast, touting their wins come November causing Congress to leave the federal budget on the table for them. If the Republicans win, I see the beginning of the "blame game" and a further delay of a federal budget.
No, they need to get the budget done. Start working real hours like the rest of us (many people don't even take their full vacation because they have too much work) and they should only get paid for the hours they worked, with a limited vacation time otherwise what is the incentative to do their job
For sometime now, it's ALL about re-election and they are not about to make changes to their own detriment.
We need to start at the root of the problem or we'll never really make any substantive progress. Campaign finance reform, end redistricting, and term limits of some sort.
How about when the budget is blocked by Senate filibuster, the filibustering Senators lose their salary, health care, and all benefits, and they cannot leave the Senate floor, until the filibuster ends.
See how badly the people filibustering want to block the country's business...
Indepentent voter from the east side of Cleveland. If congress wants to adjourn early right after a five week break, with the current issues facing this country in order to campaign to save their own butts instead of representing ours, well it kinda pisses me off.
Why are the people being bled dry while the government just keeps spending? We need to stop over-extending ourselves financially, the government cannot keep borrowing or have we learned nothing from the financial collapse?
Our government needs to become more efficient, the taxpayers do not need four people doing what one employee could, talk about wasting taxpayers dollars. I just "hope" someone will have the courage to actually try to "change" our thirteen trillion dollar debt
Jack,
I think, as you stated, this is as clear as day. Their only interest is re-election. As I read the comments I saw those accusing the left and those accusing the right but the fact is that this is a systemic disease. The disease of re-election jitters that essentially freezes our "leaders" and prevents them from taking ANY action.
Personally I think we should institute term limits and then end the run of any of these bozos with the gaul to spend more into the ever-inflating deficit to leave work early to try and make everyone like them again.
If my employees worked this way they would be out on their backsides looking for a new job... so should it be with the employees of "We the people..."
Oh yes Congress consider adjourning early, that way they can't mess up the budget until they come back and we get to keep a little money for a few more weeks. Bums
Is there a lawyer among us who can sue them?
Jack:
Once the congress men and women have separated themselves from representing their constituents they can do whatever they want and their peer group would say that they "should". It is not like voting is going to change the scenery that much, we vote the lesser of two evils,then vote the lesser of two evils, etc. and big surprise, all that is left is evil ! That must wear one out so I guess they need a break.
Washington, we have lost confidence in your ability to perform the most basic of duties you were elected to do... so, we're going to have to let you go. You see, that's the way it works in the real world... it really does.
How about passing a law that prevents Representatives and Senators from appearing on any ballot before th budget is passed?
Congress should adjourn early despite not having passed a budget for the next fiscal year. The lack of urgency in Congress will not be remedied in the fall months, nor in the lame duck session. Thus waiting until January is the default choice.
Perhaps by this time the administration in addition to all of Congress will understand that American fiscal policy is not sustainable and failure to set fiscally sound policy now will cripple our economic vitality in coming years.
Hell no, but you know the slithering slugs will. Eve of Texas
"Democrats intend to lead the most honest, most open and most ethical Congress in history" – Nancy Pelosi
No Budget = Civil Service FAIL
No they should not adjourn. This most arrogant group of people should pass a balanced budget. The word "balanced" might through them. To help them out I suggest cutting their salaries by 50% since they only work when they want to anyway.
What I'd like to know, is how many days a week they were working last spring. 2-1/2, 3? With Rahm Emmanuel poised to make a run in the Chicago mayoral race, the suggestion by Pelosi that she will dismiss the House a week early is baffling & contrary to the recent comments by Pres. Obama that he is focusing on the economy.
Who is going to be able to hit the ground running if they are new in the Chief of Staff's position? Who will be the point man or woman guiding legislation thru Congress when the budget comes up for consideration? Do we want people completely new to the scene to be attempting to deal with a multi-page document which will lay out the funding for our government? That would mean the staffers, those behind-the-scenes/non-elected bodies of workers whose alligance is to the Congresswoman or man for whom they work–not to the constituents who elected their bosses.
Jack, who's minding the store?
I lost faith in the American political system. Blood-sport, eat your young, and personal assassination are the norm.
It is time for a revised constitution that includes real voting changing such as Australian ballots, ballots that must be counted, instant run-off ballots, and representation for 3rd parties based on national voting results. Until the Republicrats have competition, things will not change. Funny that competition is good for the markets, but the American duaopoly is good enough. I moved to a real democracy 3 years ago- New Zealand.
Situation normal – our "government" simply doesn't work anymore. This election season, it doesn't matter to me which party the politician is from – if they're an incumbent, they're OUT!
Everyone in Congress needs to be fired if they pull this. Can you imagine if any of us did this on our jobs – continuously missing deadlines and then leaving early everyday? I know where I work, I would be fired and out the door so fast, the door would miss my butt by a mile.
Can we really afford for these clowns to touch the budget again? Close the circus and hope they go home. =)
Someone has referred to politicians as "huggers" and "muggers",
huggers when running for (re)election and muggers when elected.
If we, the voters, could hold politicians accountable for the the promises they make when they are drumming up votes, this would be the most admired nation in the world...just opposite the way we are now viewed.
There is no way to force them to stay and take care of the budget issues. However we should ensure that they are voted out or not attending to this nation's needs before attending to their own personal issues of re-election. What a bunch of stupendous cowards we have in Washington. It is our fault for allowing them to perpetrate this on us.
It's sad ... the American dream is over. The average American - the one who holds most of the tax burden - has little power to combat the sins of Washington. Even the prospect of a fair vote has been questioned in recent years. Perhaps we would have a fighting chance if more Americans were as interested in the future of their country as they are in Sunday football scores.
Jerry,
Lake County, IL
Home early? That's funny..have they been in Washington at all this year? Congress should get detention..make them stay after school till they get their assignments done...Job creation being the most important.
It's almost too bad the constitution forbids outsourcing them. At least then, they'd finally understand how the rest of us feel. Well, if we get ourselves much more indebted to foreign powers, it might happen anyway... constitutional or not.
All of the current incumbents must be kicked out and replaced, that will be real change. There should be strict guidlines on when the budget will be proposed, changes and the final budget announcement.
The logic is very simple, when a responsible American manages the home budget, they spend less than what they earn and save some for the rainy day. In case that person does have to borrow, they only borrow what they can pay off ASAP and not get involved in Pay Day Advance Loan type of practice.
I agree these politicians are cowards and think only for themselves.
The government is planning on how to spend more money so they can get some talking points for reelection.
They should stay until a budget is made, however we know this will not occur. Pelosi and the Democrats can ill afford to show what needs to be cut from the budget without destroying their mirage. They truly are more worried about being re-elected than getting a budget. It is amazing that there has not been a bigger uproar made from congress about the lack of one. Politicians these days are cowards. No argument there.
Any politician who goes home without passing the budget! the voters should make him or her remain home permanently, you know without a job!! oops I'm wrong again Jack!! it seems nowadays its only you " Jack" who is sticking his neck for the small guy, the rest are with politicians 100%
Shame on US, we are the ones to be held responsible for electing and supporting that kind of "representatives" and "senators" (with very lower case types) to legislate for our future.
I am sure they will stay in session and vote if the issue were to decide for their salary increase or an increase in their fringe benefits package.
We all should remember that their VOTE should be considered the worse of them all, because they didn't even think of voting for a fiscal year budget, so they are voting against all of us.
Why can't we demand a national referendum on gerrymandering and budgets and health care!
The answer is pretty easy. Vote every single incumbent out of office for two or three consecutive elections and eliminate the notion of career politician. It'll take two or three election cycles for the idea to sink in that no politician should expect a career in office. As our founding fathers intended.
Jack, there should be a national referendum to force term limits, when doing a good job becomes more important than getting re-elected things will change.
This bunch of rinky dinks is completely worthless. Bring on anarchy and let's get this country back on the road to success!
Can you spell irresponsible. It’s a bad joke- these clowns want to go back to their Districts early to get re-elected so they can continue not to do their job for another term.
It is little wonder that the public views all politicians with cynicism. What nonsense for our political “leaders” to even think that issues are too political to make a decision before an election. Silly me, I thought that’s why we send these people to Washington.
Steve
Toronto
There's only one real answer to the problem, Jack – Term Limits. Unfortunately, the people we need to pass that law are the people we need to be rid of......
First Rule: Do no harm.
Therefore, they should be sent home!
No, they shouldn't but I wouldn't be surprised to learn it is the politicans from New York coaching them on this since they are the experts of 'vacation without budget'.
No, they should pass a budget and pay the price at the polls for the positions they take. Another of so many cowardly acts by our so called representatives. The American public should just be ashamed and outraged at the legislature’s odious behavior.
Let's push through a bad budget without budget resolutions and no time to actually read the material. "Continuing resolutions" have become the norm, not the exception, followed by a fall budget passing. My question is why has the democratic majority stalled on passing the budget when they know seats will be lost in this election. The Republicans will have every reason to stall until January now that the Democratic party has once again failed to react while holding the majority.
absolutely not! if I left work early without completing one of my primary responsibilities, I would be fired. which is quite frankly what we should do with Congress. on the other hand... maybe they will/can cause less trouble if they just go home. inexcusable, members of Congress. voters, don't stay home this election. let your elected representatives know what you think of their shenanigans.