Congress just returned from vacation last week after a month off, but apparently they're planning to go on vacation again for another two months.
House Republican Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) announced Friday that after next week, the House will stand in recess until November 13. His plan for a nearly two month vacation will undoubtedly allow more time for campaigning, but will leave several vital bills awaiting action. [...]
Four years ago, Republicans objected when then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) adjourned Congress for a five-week August recess without bringing up their energy legislation. Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) shouted “Madame Speaker, where art thou? Where oh where has Congress gone?” Now, they plan a two month vacation, even if it means allowing vital programs to expire and working families to suffer.
Congress draws a salary of roughly $174,000 per year while going on vacation for half of it.
And Republicans complain about teachers' salaries. Teachers have a much more difficult and stressful job than congress and have less vacation time.
Meanwhile, the 2012 farm bill still hasn't been passed and the Republicans have continued to block the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Republicans object to the revised version of VAWA because it extends existing protections to native American tribes, immigrants, and members of the LGBT community.