What is a typical day like for a Member of the House of Representatives? Wheaton, IL - 5/3/00
Much more than what you see on the C-SPAN screen! Here is a real House Member's schedule
for a typical Tuesday. As for whose it is . . . identifying information has been removed or
modified. However, the fragmentation apparent in this schedule -- with overlapping time
commitments -- is common for any Member of the House of Representatives, all of whom must
serve on two or more committees. In addition, these scheduled meetings, briefings, and
committee sessions are routinely interrupted by the bells summoning Members to the floor for a
vote, by "must" phone calls, or by visiting constituents who often will drop by without an
appointment. The opportunities for thought or study -- or even a haircut -- are scarce!
8:30 a.m. Breakfast with a former Member.
9:30 a.m. Science Committee: Hearing.
10:00 a.m. Private briefing by NASA officials for afternoon subcommittee hearing.
10:00 a.m. Commerce Committee: mark-up session of pending legislation.
12:00 p.m. Photo opportunity with Miss Universe
12:00 p.m. Lunch with visiting friend at Watergate Hotel
1:30 p.m. Science Committee: Subcommittee hearing.
1:30 p.m. Commerce Committee: Subcommittee mark-up session of pending legislation.
2:00 p.m. House convenes.
3:00 p.m. Meeting with National Alliance for Animal Legislation officials.
4:30 p.m. Meeting with American Jewish Congress delegates.
5:00 p.m. State University reception.
5:00 p.m. Briefing by the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics on the uninsured.
5:30 p.m. Reception/fundraiser for a party whip.
6:00 p.m. Reception/fundraiser for fellow Member from the same state.
6:00 p.m. "Cajun" foods reception sponsored by Louisiana Member.
6:00 p.m. Winetasting reception on behalf of New York wine industry sponsored by NY
Member.
10:45 p.m. House adjourns.
