Special to TPN - Following a meeting described as "amicable," Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and John Boehner (R-OH) announced that Congress will adjourn until after the 2016 election cycle. Pelosi opened a joint news conference by saying, "We both felt that, since nothing was being accomplished anyhow, why not take a long vacation and get away from all those pesky lobbyists and Ted Cruz [R-Texas] at the same time?" Boehner chimed in with, "Nan's got it right. We're both going to a local tanning spa to iron out details for reconvening in 2016, after which I see almost a thousand days of uninterrupted golf."
When asked about the prospect of a government shutdown, Boehner replied, "Not to worry. The government's more or less on automatic pilot anyway. It's simple. The I.R.S. collects the money and Susie-I think that's her name-in accounts payable cuts the checks. She's only been on the job for three months, but I think she can handle it."
As far as the Senate is concerned, Pelosi said that its members latched onto the idea of adjourning enthusiastically: "Both Harry [Majority Leader Reid, D-NV] and Mitch [Minority Leader McConnell, R-KY] said they logged onto Travelocity as soon as they got the word. Only Mike Crapo [R-ID] voted 'no.' He was mad at Rand Paul [R-KY] for making fun of his name."
Ted Cruz was absent for the vote. He was last seen at Nellie's, a gay sports bar on Washington's U Street, attempting to recruit troops for his Teddy Militia, whose motto, "Screw Obamacare," is thought to resonate with the LGBT crowd. "We advocate the peaceful overthrow of the White House, plus a new paint job for the old building," said LGBT spokesman/woman Pied Léger. "We believe that rose blush with fuchsia accents would be a better color combo."
