You know it is an election year when you actually get to spend time with our elected officials in Washington.
Congressman Simpson met with us early on a bright and humid DC morning. As always, he was personally knowledgeable about issues both nationally and at the state level. He speaks easily with a quick grasp of facts and figures, never once deferring to an assistant to help him out. As we spoke about state educational issues, he demonstrated a first hand understanding that was balanced with the usual "DC lingo" about gridlock and election year frustration. But unlike the others we visited, he blamed both parties. Our 15 minute scheduled visit lasted nearly 45. He was a thoughtful and good listener.
Next came a meeting with Senator Crapo. My group met a young staffer from Massachusetts who graciously helped us talk our way onto the Congressional Subway. This mini train travels between the Senate and House of Representative office buildings and is typically reserved for Congressional members,their staff and citizens on important business.
Senator Crapo made the most of a short visit with us. He asked questions about concerns and issues and committed to follow up with us when he was not aware of particular details. From past history, I know he will; he always does. He has a sincere interest in schools and kids. He explained that work on countless appropriation bills would all be deferred until after the election. Let's hope that some decisions can be made during the lame duck session between November 4th and Christmas break.
A schedule change gave us time for a quick capitol tour conducted by a young staff person from Senator Craig's office. Even among the throngs of tourists you can not help but be awed by the beauty and history of that magnificent building. Everyone should see it.
Senator Craig was on the floor of the Senate introducing a bill that would expand off shore oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Assuring a nearly empty Senate Chamber that citizens of Florida and other Gulf states were clamoring to increase drilling to help lower the price of gas, he skillfully produced charts and graphs to support his contention.
As you might guess, that was nearly all we talked about when he arrived for our meeting. Blaming Democrats for nearly every past and future crisis, he managed to craft excuses for congressional inaction and predicted that after an early August recess Congress may only spend a few days in session before the election. Take a guess how many days Congress is in session.
Our last appointment was with Congressman Sali. That meeting deserves its own separate post.
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