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Politico: Senate absences multiply headaches for both parties
The last time all 100 senators were on the floor voting together was more than seven months ago. And it’s starting to take a toll on both parties.
This Congress features one of history’s oldest Senates, a fact that’s fueled ongoing debate about gerontocracy in government. Yet it’s not just age keeping one member — and sometimes six or more — from the floor: Blame a confluence of illnesses, family matters and impending retirements dating well into last year.
Just last week, five senators missed every vote, with several out for extended absences. And it doesn’t look like all 100 senators will be back this week.
It’s not an idle matter, either: Both parties’ attendance issues are affecting Senate business, from crucial floor votes to the mundane business of committee hearings. The Senate last had all 100 members in attendance on Aug. 7, when Democrats passed their party-line energy, health care and tax bill.
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/20/senate-absences-gop-democrats-00087682
This Congress features one of history’s oldest Senates, a fact that’s fueled ongoing debate about gerontocracy in government. Yet it’s not just age keeping one member — and sometimes six or more — from the floor: Blame a confluence of illnesses, family matters and impending retirements dating well into last year.
Just last week, five senators missed every vote, with several out for extended absences. And it doesn’t look like all 100 senators will be back this week.
It’s not an idle matter, either: Both parties’ attendance issues are affecting Senate business, from crucial floor votes to the mundane business of committee hearings. The Senate last had all 100 members in attendance on Aug. 7, when Democrats passed their party-line energy, health care and tax bill.
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/20/senate-absences-gop-democrats-00087682
