As House Republicans decide not to return early to deal with Syria while simultaneously whining about the President playing golf, just thought you might like to know that this year, our elected representatives in Congress have generously granted themselves 239 vacation days.

They need to be well-rested for that 67th attempt at repealing Obamacare.

But what remains most astonishing about our representatives on the Hill is not only the quantity of legislation, but the amount of time spent working. The Congressional calendar for this coming year consists of 126 days, leaving members of Congress 239 days to perhaps tour our great nation, toy with the idea of running for higher office, and maybe visit a natural disaster or two. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s calendar releases rather embarrassing scheduling without a single 5-day work week or weekend. If you are already feeling riled up about this, I would not suggest looking at the month of August.

So, how? How can hard-working Americans, residents of one of the most overworked countries in the world, commute five times a week to and from work while their money is squandered away in one of the two or three weekly meetings Congress manages in squeeze in?

Well, perhaps my take on activities is somewhat cynical (not that you should have expected any less). Apparently, these weeks off are called “District work periods,” also known as free travel at taxpayer expense.