Apparently a Five-Day Work Week Is Too Long for Congress Members
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine:
Unhappy Campers
Many members of Congress are said to be in various stages of unhappiness over Democratic plans for a five-day work week. Congressman Mike Simpson says, "we're cramming two days of work into five days." Many say that Congress doesn't have enough substantive work to do right now because legislation has yet to pass through committee — so members are returning to Washington for votes on such things as birthday wishes, post office dedications and sports team congratulations.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Plane Pursuit
Updating House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's bid to get access to a bigger military plane than the one used by her predecessor — Capitol Hill sources tell FOX News Pentagon officials have told Pelosi's office that military transportation is a post 9/11 security precaution reserved for the speaker and a small compliment of senior staff or immediate family. Pentagon sources say transportation of other lawmakers ought to require ethics or administration committee approval and reimbursement.
The speaker this afternoon said her request for a plane capable of making the trip to California non-stop was originated by the House sergeant at arms — who is responsible for the speaker's security.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Meanwhile the Washington Times is reporting Republicans are growing more critical of the issue. The Times quotes Florida Congressman Adam Putnam as saying Pelosi's request represents, "a flying Lincoln Bedroom." And North Carolina's Patrick McHenry labeled the speaker's plane "Pelosi One."
Cross Controversy
Some alumni at the College of William & Mary are withholding financial support from the school until a decision to take down a historic cross from the chapel is reversed. Published reports say the school's board of visitors meets tomorrow and is being urged to overrule the decision removing the Wren Chapel cross.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}School President Gene Nichol ordered it taken down last fall — saying he wanted the chapel to be more open to people of all faiths. One online petition against the decision contains more than 14,000 signatures. William & Mary is the country's second oldest college — established in 1693 as an Anglican institution. It lists among its alumni four U.S. presidents.
Job Insecurity
And the Oregon state climatologist may lose his title because he does not accept the theory that humans are the main cause of global climate change. A Portland TV station is reporting that Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski wants the title taken away from George Taylor — who insists natural cycles explain most of the planet's climate changes. Taylor is a climatologist with Oregon State University — which gave him the title of state climatologist.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The governor is seeking the authority to appoint his own climatologist — and says it's important to have one that agrees with the state's goals of reducing greenhouse gasses.
—FOX News Channel's Martin Hill contributed to this report.