Looks like the idea of paying TSA agents is dead for at least two weeks, unfortunately. The bill is considered DOA after senators began to leave for their two-week break.
Maybe something will bring them back, but it's not looking good.
-- Mike Beebe
Posted by
Freedonia
18791 posts
The Senate approved a bill today that would fund TSA.
Unfortunately, it looks like it is going to die in the House.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA
707 posts
Now they ARE getting paid (apparently on Monday) according to the White House.
Around and around we go ...
-- Mike Beebe
Posted by
Penzance
195 posts
How do people cope, and put up with, key parts of American infrastructure closing down annually for long periods? This seems to have been going on since I was a child. Genuinely interested in how this is allowed to happen.
Posted by
Virginia
687 posts
It is annoying, but we put up with it the same way Europeans put up with their infrastructure frequently shutting down due to strikes.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9645 posts
Wow. A solution that could have been implemented 40 days ago. The legality is still not clear, if that matters anymore.
There are people and organizations who get their power and money from promoting turmoil.
Posted by
Freedonia
18791 posts
This is a well known joke that will explain it all:
While walking down the street one day, a senator is tragically hit by a truck and killed.
His soul arrives in Heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
"Welcome to Heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."
"No problem, just let me in," says the senator.
"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."
"There's no need! I want to be in Heaven," says the senator.
"I'm sorry, but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator, the doors open, and he rides the elevator down, down, down. When the doors open again, the senator finds himself in the middle of a beautiful green golf course. In the distance is a club, and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in formal dress. They run to greet him, and they reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster and caviar.
Also present is the Devil, who is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that, before the senator realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves while the elevator rises. The elevator goes up, up, up, and the door reopens in Heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.
So 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by, and St. Peter returns.
"Well, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now, you must choose where you want to spend eternity."
He reflects for a minute and then answers, "Well, I would never would have thought it, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better satisfied in Hell."
So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator, and down, down, down he goes into Hell. Now, the doors of the elevator open, and he is in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags. And it's hot, hot, hot, and the odor is just horrible.
Sweltering hot. Hot and miserable. The Devil comes over to him and smoothly lays his arm around his shoulder.
"I don't understand," stammers the senator. "The day before I was here, and there was a golf course and club, and we ate lobster and caviar and danced and had a great time. Now all there is is a wasteland full of garbage, and my friends look miserable."
The Devil looks at the senator, smiles, and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted for us."
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
5251 posts
Frank II, I never heard that "joke" before and hope you don't mind that I posted it to FB. I'm really fed up with ALL the folks in DC
Posted by
Wengen
3829 posts
It is annoying, but we put up with it the same way Europeans put up
with their infrastructure frequently shutting down due to strikes.
The last time infrastructure shut down because of a strike in the European country I live in was in 1918...