Hillbilly wisdom: It is such a relief to know our house is in order. A fact confirmed by the absence of the leader of the house. AWOL? Because there is nothing to do or worry about, it is a very good time for a vacation abroad or a trip to “walk back” comments made by the president. Forgive my age and ignorance but trips abroad to address the British parliament, paid for by U.S., were not in the duties of the speaker of the house in the last century. It is just an opinion but Congress needs to be in session and working.

The speaker of the house can appoint members to go and conduct business for the house. Never before has the speaker appointed himself. Why do it now?

In the absence of the Speaker, Speaker pro Tempe Nicholas J Begich III cannot issue subpoena against those who are not complying with or are in contempt of Congress. Epstein Files? Never mind, not going to happen!

Nor should this be viewed as an attempt to shut down the Government. There is plenty of time to have a last minute take-it-or-leave it bill. You know, one of those bills where no one really knows what is in it.

Priorities. Make America Great Again, etc. Can we get Speaker Johnson a big atta-boy.