Despite Recess the Hill is Energized about Energy!

It is the time of year that most Hill inhabitants despise. At the beginning of August the Senate and House go into recess for five long weeks. If you happen to be one of the staffers stuck on the hill for the duration then life pretty much slows down to a pace that makes each hour seem like three. The Hill is like a ghost town, there is no hearings to go, no laws to pass, no senators or congressman to appease. It is the hum-drum part of the year that allows staffers to come dressed in jeans and a polo because there really is nobody of significance to impress.

Yet, this year has been different. The House Republicans have refused to leave. They're still giving floor speeches to Nancy Pelosi (although she is MIA and won't acknowledge them). It began last friday when the House was adjourned by the Majority, yet there was still a line-up of GOP congressmen and women who still wanted to solve the energy crisis. They feel it is wrong for the lawmakers to leave for five weeks and not do anything to solve the energy crisis. So, they have revolted. On Friday, the majority party turned out the lights, turned off the microphones, and turned off C-SPAN. The republicans ushered constituents into the gallery and answered their questions from the floor. It lasted for 5 hours before the protesting congressmen and women decided to call it quits for the weekend. Now I do say the weekend, because today they were back at on the house floor. I invite you to read some more articles and watch this video about what they are doing for the American people.

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-energy-revolt-presses-on-dems-dismiss-stunt-2008-08-04.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs-dNopBDeQ

These men and women are taking the time they have from campaigning for re-election, visiting their districts, and attending to their families, to fight to find a compromise to solve the energy crisis. Yet, the house majority is refusing to acknowledge them. Even if you would like to call the congressmen and women to give them your encouragement and also your appreciation, I know they would be thankful to hear from the American citizens.

Random Pics and Clips...

Orlando's as Stephen Colbert

The Moffitt DC visit!

Thank you Uncle Dan, Aunt Dori, Kaley, Taylor, Mason, Ashley, Lacey, Cytauni and Rierson. We had a great time showing ya'll around D.C., despite five miles of walking. Let us know if you find an answer to your trivia questions. We are still stumped on the origin of D.C.

Colin Powell

One of the great things about being on the Hill, is the opportunity to go to different lectures and hear some great Americans speak. This past Monday, we had such an opportunity. In short Powell was fantastic. We really wish he had run for president.

Congressional Baseball Game

In July, the congressmen and women play a charity game of baseball at National's Stadium. It is the Republicans vs. the Democrats. For the past 8 years the Rep. have won. This year the Dem. set up practices to try to conquer the Rep. Unfortunately for them it did not work. "Yes you can" didn't work for them. We had a great time and loved watching the amateur and error-prone game. Final score 11-10. GOP!

My Family

The cliche goes "you do not know what you have, till its gone." Well, I have finally learned that truth. My family just visited me in Washington DC and I truly miss them. Each one provides a special thing in my life. My sister Sandra provides laughter and a benchmark. My sister Veronica, gives me her devotion and an ear. My Mom, a crazy coolness thay is unparalleld and unmatched by anyone. And my Dad is an idol I constantly aspire to. My family, who got me here, has been my greatest lesson while here. I learned that no matter what I do, or fail to do, they love me and I have their support. And now that I have learned that I really do miss them. Sandy, VP, Mom, and Dad I love you guys.

Thank You!

I wanted to write a quick thank you note to my family and the Pryor family. I really appreciated you all taking time out of your busy schedules to come visit us in DC. Now, that everyone is gone and I know there is no one else to come visit, I am starting to feel a little homesick.
Mom and Michael, I had a great time during your visit. Mom, I loved seeing your old home and your high school. I'm happy I can finally put a visual with all the great stories you tell about your childhood. I love you a lot and miss you very much. Michael, it was awesome having you around to make me laugh ("Excuse me Miss can I have a dollar?"). I can't wait to see you two in about a month!
Pryor family, thank you so much for coming to DC. Ya'll were so caring and considerate, when I was under the weather. Veronica and Sandra, it was so much fun to have my two favorite ladies here. I'm glad you got to see where I worked and the LOC main reading room. I believe you actually ended up seeing more of DC on Saturday night, than I've seen in a month. Also, thanks to Sandra, instead of a taking a "spill on the hill" we took a "jump on the bump". Mr. and Mrs. Pryor, it was a pleasure hanging out with you and hearing all of your great stories. Mr. Pryor, I still want to try collard greens made the right way :) and Mrs. Pryor I hope you got the perfect flower pictures for your frames.

Once again thanks to both families!