My initial reaction was shock that so few people were actually listening to the debates. Our politicians are often left reading their remarks to empty chambers just to get them included in the official Congressional Record. As a reporter, I have found that the real action takes place in meeting rooms off-limits to the public, where legislators caucus among themselves. By the time the issue gets to the floor, votes usually have been decided. Reporters, meanwhile, have their own room in the Senate Press Gallery, where they have resource materials, telephone connections and other amenities that help them to get the word out quickly.
Legislators have particular interests.
Many become experts in a few issues and generalists about the others. Staff members, known as Legislative Assistants, meet with constituents and lobbyists, do research, attend hearings and write position papers for their legislators. Major issues, however, such as the presidential impeachment hearings, prompted many legislators to do some serious background reading and research. This month, the Senate has passed a reform bill concerning the Federal Aviation Administration, a conference report concerning the Department of Transportation and another conference report dealing with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It also passed largely symbolic Senate resolutions that expressed sympathy for those killed in earthquakes in Turkey and Greece.