Boondoggle boon

Hey, they have to do something to fill all that time they're not in session.

Members of the U.S. Congress and their aides took free trips worth nearly $50 million paid for by corporations, trade associations and other private groups between January 2000 and June 2005, according to a study released on Monday.

Some of the 23,000 trips featured $500-a-night hotel rooms, $25,000 corporate jet rides and visits to popular spots such as Paris, Hawaii and Colorado ski resorts, said the study, by the Center for Public Integrity, American Public Media and Northwestern University's Medill News Service.

The study found that many of those who picked up the tabs were at the same time seeking to shape legislation on Capitol Hill or win federal contracts.
"In many instances, trip sponsors appeared to be buying access to elected officials or their advisors," the study said.

So if you were wondering why Medicare Part D is such a fucking joke or why Congress is doing nothing but holding photo-ops in response to runaway gas prices, now you know.

And the next time you're wondering how you can get your representative to, you know, represent you, try footing the bill nearly 11.5 trips per day for four and a half years. That's apparently what it takes to get their attention.