National Mall to Become Lunchtime Hangout for Congress

W
ith partisan tensions running high on Capitol Hill, it appears that both sides of the aisle can still manage to agree on one thing: Hanging out together on the National Mall for good food and friendly conversation. Earlier this week, HR 2376, known as the Unhurried Senators and Representatives Enjoying Potlucks and Socializing Together Act of 2006 (USA REPAST), passed with near unanimous support in the House of Representatives. The bill, which stipulates that both houses of Congress will adjourn to the National Mall every second Thursday for a fun-filled afternoon of sampling each other's culinary creations, is expected to breeze through the Senate in the coming days.


Congressmen enjoy a test run of the proposed Thursday potlucks on the National Mall.

"If there's any possibility of overcoming the spirit of rancor and bitterness that has pervaded our legislature, I think potlucks are the way to do it," said Representative Chris Shays (R - CT). "I, for one, can't wait to try [Louisiana Senator] Mary Landrieu's gumbo -- I hear she makes a fabu roux!"

In addition to altering the work schedule of members of Congress to give them time to prepare their potluck dishes, the REPAST Act will appropriate $20,000 to purchase movable chairs, barbecue grills, and picnic tables for the Mall. A rider that would have appropriated an additional $4 billion to construct an elaborate security system around the Mall during potluck hours was rejected in favor of perimeter bollards that double as benches and planters.

President Bush has threatened to veto the bill unless it includes a provision for a bowl of non-vegetarian chili from a different congressional district to be brought to the Oval Office each time a potluck is held. Insiders expect the amendment to be added in conference committee later this week.