This site allows you to type in a member of Congress and see how many bills he/she has introduced, how many earmarks he/she have asked for & received. The site does not give its definition of earmarks, nor tell if the bills are for one's entire career (I suspect it is), but nonetheless, it is an interesting starting point.
Judy Biggert (R) our representative from the 13th District has two bills to her credit. She was first elected in 1998.
But she has given a big shout out to WVHS. I found the above video on the Warrior's Back-to-Back State Champion Women's Soccer Team Website. Two summers ago U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert gives her one-minute shout out to the Tribe. While we make fun of these "One-minute resolutions" legislatures use them to make constituents feel happy and proud. I did when I saw it.
www.c-spanarchives.org/congress/?q=node/77531&id=8586164
8 comments:
Okay, I understand the need to keep constituents happy. This is ridiculous, though. When we compare world governments later this year, I'd like to find out if anyone else does this.
Picture it: Dictator goes up to the podium, delivers a fiery speech about punishing dissidents and strengthening the state, blah, blah, blah. Then. . .
"And now, my loyal subjects, I wish to deliver a shout-out to the militia of [name of village] whose valiant teamwork and loyalty make this state strong. The militia of [village] placed first in the inter-dictatorship league of henchmanery, and furthermore they .. . "
It doesn't bear thinking about.
Or what about in a Communist state? Since everyone's equal, everyone gets a shout-out.
"Comrades, I wish to congratulate the people of this country for being awesome. Thank you."
Hehehe.
Yet it’s a simple thirty seconds that can make the constituents feel like they are recognized by their government and its proud of their accomplishments. It's simple and mildly effecitive. I don’t think any foreign nations are harshly judging America on the basis of what one congressman says about a local high school.
I would really, really like to think the Congress has better things to do than talk about a high school soccer game. This kind of shameless pandering is what makes Americans hate American institutions.
There is always a clear need to keep constituents satisfied and this is just another case of that. It was a simple harmless speech that doesn't extremely affect anyone and it shouldn't be made this big of an issue.
I agree with Sai. Keeping constituents happy is part of the job of a congressperson. It is essential to keep them satisfied if the person wants to be reelected in congress. That's not the government aspect of the job rather it is the political aspect.
I agree with Derek. There is a time and place for rewards and recognition, and I feel that this is just a waste of time because it isn't a big issue, like Said said, but they make it into one by drawing uneccessary attention to it.
I agree that keeping constituents happy is important, but there are so many better ways in which the time that's being used to please them could be used. I mean, good for the soccer team and all, but I would really hope that Congress has higher priorities than that. I know people say it's harmless, and by itself it is, but for me it's a bit disappointing to see how the men and women of Congress are spending their time.
yeah. uhm. Judy Biggert should find better ways to waste her time as a member of Congress. Maybe attend that committee hearing that you've only been to like twice this whole session?
There are Representatives and Senators who do work and conduct business. Others sit on their *** (butts) and waste our district's right to representation.
Try getting some more federal funding for IL schools so District 204 can deal with its $9M deficit...
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