http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/votes-deep-into-december-2007-10-26.htmlVotes deep into December
By Jackie Kucinich
October 26, 2007
House members hoping to spend quality time with their families during the holiday season got some bad news this week: they may be in Washington days before both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In an e-mail sent by a House Democrat and obtained by The Hill, the new House schedule calls for votes potentially through Nov. 17, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The lower chamber will then reconvene on Dec. 4, with leadership hoping that Dec. 11 will be the last week of the session.
However, the e-mail notes that “there is a chance the House would reconvene the following week, Dec. 18-20 to complete its business.”
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“There’s a corny line about Christmas trees and stockings stuffed with pork in here somewhere, but I think I’ll just say that if we’re here that late it’s not going to be pretty for taxpayers or the economy,” said Brian Kennedy, spokesman for House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio). “Omnibus spending bills and tax hikes never are.”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) suggested on Sept. 20 that lawmakers might need to stay until Christmas to finish their must-pass bills.
Republicans and Democrats alike have complained throughout the year about difficulties of the five-day work week, with many pointing out that traveling cuts into vital time with constituents and their families back home.
Asked about the possibility of a December session earlier this year, Pelosi said, “I hope not.”
Some Democrats on the Hill believe the expanded workweek schedule has contributed to the recent retirement announcements by House Republicans.
Pelosi, commenting on a string of House GOP retirements last month, said, “It makes me very happy to see my good and dear friends spending more time with their families. They’ve earned it.” :rofl: :applause: