the constitution requires that congressional pay is not a negotiation point

[Andy823]

1. I also wonder

Could the president force congress to "actually" stay in D.C. and work instead of taking so many damned vacations? Shouldn't anyone working for the government have to actually be there everyday doing the job we elected them for?

I would also think that besides cutting their staff as you mentioned, couldn't all the other perks they get be cut also? Just curious.

I would also think that cutting subsidies might be a good way to reduce the "handouts" that big oil, banks, drug industry, etc. get would also be a no brainer, along with all kinds of "pork" that could be trimmed for pet projects that members of congress have gotten for their states, things that really aren't doing any good for the economy.

I read someplace that the republicans were afraid that many of their pet projects might get cut, but were willing to take that chance instead of getting the tea party clowns mad at them. I think they thought the president and the democrats in congress would fold and give into their ransom demands, which doesn't look likely at this point. It must be hell to have to cater to the crazy side of the party for fear that some tea party clown might run against them in a primary race!