FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Congress is gearing up for a two-week spring break that starts this weekend. They must be exhausted. This afternoon, the House passed that much-anticipated $38.5 billion spending cut. It went on to the Senate where it passed as well... now lawmakers can hand it over to the president and look ahead to vacation.
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Getting out of town might be a good move.
You see, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office revealed Wednesday that the budget deal that was made at the 11th hour before a threatened government shutdown - the deal that was touted as creating the largest spending cuts in American history - will really cut only $352 million in spending this year, not $38.5 billion as we were told.
Many of the cuts will have little or no effect on how much money the government actually spends because the cuts come from programs that are outside the reach of the annual budget.
I wonder if we're ever told the truth about anything anymore.
When Congress returns all tanned and rested, the members will have just a few weeks to address raising the debt ceiling. The Treasury Department says the United States will reach its borrowing limit of about $14.3 trillion in mid-May. If Congress doesn't approve a measure to raise the debt ceiling before then, all hell could break loose. Even a hint that it might happen would shake up world markets and knock the wind out of our already weak economy.
Some Republicans insist they won't vote to raise the debt ceiling ... in the name of fiscal responsibility.
Get ready for another game of chicken.
But Congress is going to take two weeks off anyway.
Here’s my question to you: How would you suggest members of Congress spend their two week Spring Break?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Kathleen in South Carolina:
They should spend Spring Break living in a homeless shelter under the same conditions as everyone else and be required to search daily for some menial job. Living without fancy houses, cars, meals, clothes, or electronics might give them some insight into a world that they are far too willing to ignore.
Alex in Bremerton, Washington:
Help out at a food bank or homeless shelter to see how the folks at the other end of the economy live. The experience may provide those who still have a shred of humanity with a better understanding of the other America their donors never see from their gated communities.
Rick in Medina, Ohio:
I'm sorry, but this issue is a "non-starter." Perhaps you consider today a "slow news day" and simply asked the question to fill some space. I actually hope they invest some time relaxing, enjoying their families, pursuing interests and hobbies ... whatever. I don't begrudge anyone their time-off. Neither should you!
Sue in Fort Myers, Florida:
They should all be locked in a room, Obama included, with no air conditioning, no electronic devices, no food (maybe some Ramen noodles) and warm water until they can come up with a budget that is good for all of us. Maybe the "politicing" will stop.
James in North Carolina:
They could join each other for a dip in one of their favorite pork barrels.
Mike in Denver, Colorado:
How about at trip to reality? Have them live on an average salary for the week, fly coach, pump their own gas, shop for health insurance or try and make an appointment at the local V.A. hospital, talk to parents about the educational needs in their district, and perhaps even talk to that busboy or cook that just might be an illegal immigrant. In short, they need to live the problems of this country so they understand what it is like to be a person they represent.
Bill in Wisconsin:
What have they done that would lead them to think they deserve a break?