Today was was quite the flurry or excitement at the Capitol complex, because Congress is returning from recess tomorrow.
Today I mostly finished up some tasks that needed to be done before the legislative work begins for the week, like cutting out these place cards and researching bills passed during Obama’s first 100 days for a comparative press release.
But, I want to focus this post on common misconceptions.
1) “Our taxes pay for your (the Congressman’s) healthcare, so you don’t have the right to take away mine!”
Congressional healthcare is quite a complicated system that takes approximately a bazillion things into account like your spouse’s income, your seniority at the Capitol, and your other sources of revenue. In the case of Congressman Meadows, he pays for his almost entirely out of pocket. So while there are many legitmate arguments for cheaper healthcare, that is certainly not one that advances the plight.
2) Congress has 120 days of vacation each year.
No. Congress has 120 days of recess each year. This is akin to diplomats being given trips home four or five times a year–if you are not spending time with the people you are representing, you most certainly cannot represent them to the best of your ability. When Congress is in recess, the Members are in their constituencies doing four or five events a day. Everyone wants to win reelection–no one is sitting at home for 120 days.
3) The Hill is intimidating
I thought that at first, too. But last week, I heard two senior staffers arguing about whose fault it was that they lost their Snapchat streak. That was the most relateable conversation I’d heard so far, and it kind of made me do a double-take and realize that all these people who write our laws and instruct the Congressmen how to vote are not so much older than me. And not so much more qualified than me.
4) That Congressmen have the power to change anything at the drop of a hat.
Please, educate yourself about what your representative can and cannot do before you call their office and waste someone’s time. If you’re from California, and concerned about Trump’s tax returns, do not waste your time calling a North Carolinian representative.
These days are going by extraordinarily quickly, and I’m quite excited to see what it’s like when they’re back in session tomorrow.