America the Beautiful: An American Political RP (IC)

[Newne Carriebean7]

Official Statement from the House Office of Representative Maxine Caroline Durant (Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District)

I have devoted much of my time in Congress to the people of the 3rd District. I've has always been there for them, and they can attest to my dedication and love of the people within my beloved Cedar Grove and surrounding cities of the 3rd District.

Unfortunately, things are not looking good for this current administration. I do not mean to have little faith in them, but I am simply stating the facts of the obvious. The Economy in the 4th Quarter contracted by almost a full percentage point. We've now got an unemployment rate of (and I am rounding down) 11%. I know many people within my district who approved of my vote in support of the lifeline we threw out to the Economy in the begining. Times are tough right now, but this Administration is untested. I pray, hope even, that things will get better.

However, I can't see the need of giving millions of Americans "insta-welfare". I don't want an explosion of the number of "Welfare Queens" that are dragging down good, hard working Americans like you and me. These, leeches on society must be scraped off if the body is to heal. What the American Relief Act does, is it enables those that suck our economy dry, suck the hard earned money from REAL Americans. It is an enabling bill. That is one of it's many faults. Among other things, in my district, we have tons of Farming communities. These folks come to my office whenever they have the patience to drive on up from the South, or in cases of more instant communication such as the telegraph or pony express. They are struggling in their day to day lives without such relief.

I sympathize with them immensely. I am not a wealthy woman myself. In fact, this economic incident of the past few months has forced me to scale down on my vacations with my husband. However, the right way to solve this issue is to leave it to the State governments to figure out. What this country does not need is yet another bailout by the Federal Government of millions, trillions of dollars. I am unashamed of my actions, and I have presented sufficient reasoning behind my next course.

I am a NAY vote on the American Relief Act. We need action from State and Local governments, not for Uncle Sam to loan out his Credit Card to every American citizen! If we are to get through this crisis, we must at least bolster the funds of the state coffers. That is how we can do it. I have the utmost faith in the American people. We have experienced hardship in the past, and immense, global tragedies that have only served to strengthen our bonds as members of the United States. It is this same dedication to one another and love of communities that will get us through this crisis. I hope other members of Congress see the truth in my answer and do not support such a massive bailout and irresponsible government handout to the poor, the crippled and members of the 'gay' persuasion.

[The Orion Islands]

Colbert Twitter @EverittRigbyColbert
"Maxine Durant apparently cares more about burning bridges with literally everyone in Washington than actually doing work for her district. People like Maxine Durant are why the American people hate Congress and actively elect people who promise to take a flamethrower to Washington."

[Madrinpoor]

"No, not yet, I'll get my staff working on it right away. It's so cool to have staff, in the Arizona Senate all I had was a secretary and a speechwriter/chief of staff/my cousin who just finished college and needed a job."

"The trickiest thing is making it watertight; a bunch of commissions are going to try and dismantle the bill with the courts and it has to be able to resist that."

"I spent years drafting labor contracts in Los Angeles, so I know a thing or two about courts trying to dismantle things on all the little details. When your staff gets a draft of the bill prepped, let me know. I hired a student over at Georgetown to be my legislative law clerk, so they'll pull a bunch of the case law on things like this so we can be sure we're making it court-proof. After that, I'll be able to refine the language to make it both court-proof and Congress-proof. Sound good?"

"Yeah, I will get you a copy of that ASAP!"

Frank shook hands again, and hailed a taxi for his lobbyist meeting.

[Velahor]

To: Representative Maxine Durant (maxine@durant.house.gov)
From: Representative Diane Paulson (diane@paulson.house.gov)
Subject: IMPORTANT- CCA, ARA, and other House bills

---

Representative Durant,

Seeing your recent tweets and press releases piqued my interest in speaking to you personally. I have always had a deep appreciation for Republican women who are able to take bold stances for fiscal responsibility, and thus, I'd like to take a bit to speak with you about our upcoming legislative agenda in the House.

To stem the tide of socialist infiltration into our society, it is imperative that our party stands united behind the President's economic agenda. Maintaining the appearance of competency and coordination in our House strategy is key to (a) ensuring that we prove to the American people that we are working cooperatively in their interest and (b) carrying the public goodwill of President Richardson's presidential win into the Wisconsin special Senate election, which will enable a Republican trifecta that will allow our party to carry out sweeping reforms in areas like taxation, spending, and gun rights.

Because we need a united message, I'm going to ask you this bluntly. Please, if you have any issues with legislation where I am a sponsor or co-sponsor, discuss it with me before it gets to the House floor. My door is always open, and I have no issues making amendments to ensure that my fellow fiscally-responsible Republicans are satisfied.

Furthermore, I would like to meet with you regarding a major gun rights bill which you might be interested in.

Regards,



Diane Jeanette Paulson (Harbour)
Congresswoman from Maine's Second District
GOP Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues

[Newne Carriebean7]

To: Representative Diane Paulson (diane@paulson.house.gov)
From: Representative Maxine Durant (maxine@durant.house.gov)
Subject: Re: IMPORTANT- CCA, ARA, and other House bills

---

Representative Paulson,

I am well aware of the critical importance that "party unity" has, especially considering the narrow governing majority the Republican Party currently holds over both branches of the legislature. I am not blind to the critical support that the Republicans must give our candidate within Wisconsin. I know there must be "unbreakable" support by the Republicans agaisnt the liberal agenda of communists and homosexuals.

I suppose instead of jack-knifing the political process for the virtues of "state's rights", all members of the GOP will need to be onboard for such matters. However, If I have issues with certain bills, I will not hesitate to share my concerns publicly with the people of Mississippi, even if it may mean to buck the party in rare circumstances. If there are legitimate concerns to my farming and gun toting constituents, then I will allay my concerns to those on capitol hill within a reasonable amount of time in-between flights from the swamps of D.C to the swamps of Cedar Grove, Mississippi.

Feel free to show up at my House office anytime, it's the one with the Confederate Flag lapel on the door. Should you want me to stop by your office, just let me know, Diane.

: )

[Velahor]

House Office Buildings

---

Diane strolled the halls of the complex of buildings that had been her home away from home for a good part of the last three decades. As she neared Representative Durant's office, she passed by the door of the office her late husband Alexander had once occupied. Something about seeing it made her stop dead in her tracks. To her, her late husband Alexander was the most honorable man to have ever served in the Republican Party; he was everything that the current GOP was not. He sure wouldn't have been happy to see what this party has turned into... she thought to herself.

She found Representative Durant's office, with its Confederate flag on the door, and knocked.

[Newne Carriebean7]

Office of Representative Maxine Caroline Durant (Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District)

"You want a fence? You decided to call me, a sitting house member, and call about wanting you to write a bill that will make it, and I quote: "Illegal for Trespassing on your lawn"- Sir. Sir, Sir... I'm very sorry to say I can't help you with that. Why not? Well, for starters, that's sometin' that y'all would be fine with havin' yer local police take care of. Yes. Go talk to the local police and please let your poor congresswoman do her job. I don't give a rat's ass if you didn't vote for me. I'm your representative, now go chat with the police about gittin' those wanderin' cows off your property. The cops round that part are real good, nice, god fearin' folks. An AtheIst? Well, I'm afraid it'll be up to the goddamned flying spaghetti monster, Thanks fer callin' and not fer pressin' charges. Bye, uh... Amanda."

With that, she landed the receiver with a slight thud, reaching over on one side of her desk to pull out a large bottle of Coca-Cola. Before she could relax following the phone call with a "concerned member of the public", a series of knocks on the door startled her concentration in opening it.

"I really don't get paid enough for this shit..." She grumbled to herself before standing up for her desk and opening the door to her office. What she was was Representative Diane Paulson standing there. She flicked a switch and a beaming smile, filled to the brim with southern hospitality oozed out of each crevice in her teeth.

"Why, howdy y'all. You must be Paul. Wait. Paulson. Don't just stand there, come on in!" Durant exclaimed with a wide grin on her face, motioning her to a chair before taking a look outside the hallway in each direction, shutting the door firmly behind.

"Now, You're here, uh...pony express mail mentioned a 'gun rights bill, and the joys of a concentrated republican trifecta." She stated, looking down briefly at the contents of the e-mail her elderly Cathode Ray Tubed Monitor.

"I'd like some meat n' potatoes, if y'all don't mind me sayin', n' if y'all git what I means by it." She chuckled affably to herself before sitting behind the desk.

[Madrinpoor]

Frank Loloma <frankloloma24@gmail.com>
to William Rogers III

William,

Here is the first draft my staff came up with of the redistricting bill. What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

Frank.

---

Nonpartisan And Representative Redistricting Act (NARRA)

A BILL
To create fair and representative congressional districts, and remove partisanship and gerrymandering from the redistricting process.

Sponsor: Frank Loloma (D-AZ-1)
Senate Sponsors:
House Sponsors:

SECTION 1: SHORT TITLE

This Act may be cited as the "NARRA Act".

SECTION 2: REDISTRICTING

a.) Definitions: For this section
- Non-partisan means that the partisan makeup of the commission is not specified beforehand.

b.) Commissions: This act places the hands of redrawing congressional districts into 15-person nonpartisan commissions made up of legislative staff with no access to political, ethnic, or election data (including addresses of incumbents). There is also a 5-person advisory commission, which ensures that the commission did not use political or ethnic data, and that all maps are in compliance with this bill. Then, the bills are presented to the state legislatures and voted on. If the maps are not accepted, then the commission draws new ones. If the maps are turned down three times, the state's Supreme Court steps in. The members of the commissions cannot be lobbyists or civil servants, and their identity is to be a secret (such as that of an elector).

c.) Limitations: The congressional districts cannot number over 1,000,000 people* and must be continuous. There can be no isolated enclaves of one congressional district in another. The districts also must run along state lines.

d.) Decreases: If the population of a state decreases, and the state loses a congressional district, then the smallest district must be absorbed into a neighboring one.

e.) Redrawing existing districts: An existing district is to be redrawn if the population of a district has significantly shifted to another area, but is still in the state. If there is no significant shift, they are to remain the same. Districts can be renumbered without being renamed.

f.) Additions: If another district is to be added, it should be in an area of the most population growth, or an area where greater population warrants another district. They cannot take so many people into a new district that the old district is too small and must be redistricted.

*Unless the district is an at-large district, and the census has not occured yet.

SECTION 3: EXISTING DISTRICTS

a.) Even if a district does not need to be changed under the census data, the districts are still to be redrawn in compliance with these new conditions.

[Vaquas]

---

January 21, 2021
Missouri State Capitol
Governor Suzette Seidel (R-MO)

---

It had taken some getting used to, but Suzette Seidel was the Governor of Missouri. Having been sworn in in public, surrounded by supporters and the press and delivering a speech that was characterized as "bombastic" and "very conservative", the newly minted executive had spent the past few weeks considering her new position and plotting a roadmap for the future. Her legs crossed under her desk in her capitol office, its cheap gray curtains swapped out for a smooth lavender that complemented the darkly colored furniture that had been moved in at her request. Suzette’s eyes moved over page after page of proposed aims, some from members of the legislature, some from less official sources and organizations. So many ways to start out, she thought, as a rosemary scented air freshener worked its magic and swept away the relatively dank smell that had permeated the office under the previous occupant. The man across from her, his legs spread wide and his disposition casual, was an old and by many accounts rather unpleasant one. The house majority leader in state, Rep. Hastings, had been around since long before Suzette was in the state house herself, and though she had developed a good relationship with him over the years, she couldn’t help but internally cringe at his self-assured demeanor, backed up by nothing but power left to him by his father and old money. Nepotism itself wasn’t the problem per se, Suzette figured, but nepotism without talent or skill to back it up, well, that was a different story. The majority leader expectantly met Seidel’s eyes when she finally looked up, his own full of curiosity at which path the woman in front of him wished to take evident.

Of course, she had already made up her mind about her first priority months ago.

Neatly stacking and then pushing aside the various folders in front of her, Suzette reached down into her desk and withdrew an unassuming manila folder, passing it over to the confused man across from her as she folded her arms. As he opened it, she spoke.

“This is my number one priority. It is long overdue and I’m tired of the state party being soft on crime.” Hastings looked like he wanted to object to that, but Seidel did not give him a chance to speak. “It is about time that the people of this state felt safe again in their own homes, and on the streets. Jerry, you know as well as I do that the last person in this office didn’t take it seriously. That’s why I’m the governor now, and his lieutenant is not.” she said, smiling. The man’s eyes moved down the page as Seidel continued, her tone shifting strangely. “Now, when President Wolf assumed office, what was his promise to us? To make America great again. Did he do it? As best he could, before his untimely death of supposedly natural causes. But what do we have now?” she questioned rhetorically. “First, Tawney, who was never a real believer in the cause but who did his best to mitigate the China Crisis, however misguided some of his specific actions may have been. But Tawney was not sworn in yesterday, was he? No. Instead, we have Nathaniel Richardson. An idiot and a democratic sympathizer who would sooner run to bankers on wall street than into the arms of the patriots who made Arnold Wolf President. This is a man who is interested in stalling American greatness for the benefit of himself and his coastal donors, not letting it soar under an America First agenda-”

“Suzette forgive me for interrupting your monologue-”

“Governor Seidel.”

“Yes, of course, my apologies. Governor, this is going to draw legal scrutiny, you are aware of that?”

Seidel silently stood up and walked over to a desk on the opposite side of the room, where a very large bible lay open to a page in Romans. She flipped a few pages and let them rest when she reached her intended line. She cleared her throat.

“Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval” she began, “for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain.”

“I know the scripture forwards and backwards Governor, you do not need to quote it at me.” Jerry croaked.

“Then you already know what I intend to do and why I intend to do it. Jerry, Nate Richardson. Look at him, his wife, his planned cabinet. Do you truly believe these are the people who are going to continue the work that needs to be done?”

Receiving nothing but silence in return, Seidel continued, her eyes turning away from the book as she turned around and looked at her still seated guest.

“Many young people have no faith in God anymore, you know. They turn to false idols, give into temptations once thought abominable in the name of “personal freedom” and “liberty”, when that could be nothing further from the truth. Men think they are women, women think they are men, children are completely confused. Socialism creeps closer and closer at home while China dominates the globe and hordes of immigrants stream unvetted into our country. Worst of all, aborted fetuses are celebrated with marches and parades while rioters burn down cities on behalf of dead criminals and get applause from Democrats. America was being led astray for a long time, until President Wolf tried to right the ship, and then, suddenly, he was gone. The ship is steered towards the iceberg once more, and there aren’t any lifeboats.”

Seidel walked back to the seat behind her desk, but did not sit down, instead placing her hands on either side of it and leaning forward. A horrifying blaze of passion filled the woman’s eyes as she burrowed a hole through her legislative counterpart’s, a lovecraftian fear filling his body as she spoke.

“Missouri is not going down with the ship, Jerry. Missouri will be great again.”

The doors to the office opened as an aide walked in, smartly dressed and looking pensive. One of Hastings’ people, clearly. “Sir, your wife is calling.” the boy announced, his eyes peering past his employer at the Governor as she returned a smile.

“Everything the caucus needs is in that folder, I expect action in line with the provided timetable.” she said as her elder stood and turned to leave gingerly, a gruff grunt and nod affirming his intentions. As he took his leave, Seidel called after him. “Oh and one more thing Jerry. Speaker Volker says hello.”

[New Cobastheia]

Eliza LeBlanc Wolf
Washington, DC
January 23, 2021



Eliza had been spending a large amount of time at the property in DC. Originally it was purchased when her Husband took the job at Fox News, but over the course of his Presidency, it would see much less use given that the White House, was the White House. But in these days, the days in which Eliza was the nominee to become the next U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., it would see much more use. Over the last few weeks, it had hosted a number of officials, the new First and Second Couples, the leaders of the House and Senate, a number of important Senators from both sides of the aisle, the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, and earlier that day the Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

But now, with her confirmation hearing in front of the whole Senate only a few days away, she would host another guest who was set to arrive any second. She waited on the porch in seasonally appropriate attire as she waited for her guest to arrive.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Eliza LeBlanc Wolf
Washington, DC
January 23, 2021

(Image)

Eliza had been spending a large amount of time at the property in DC. Originally it was purchased when her Husband took the job at Fox News, but over the course of his Presidency, it would see much less use given that the White House, was the White House. But in these days, the days in which Eliza was the nominee to become the next U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., it would see much more use. Over the last few weeks, it had hosted a number of officials, the new First and Second Couples, the leaders of the House and Senate, a number of important Senators from both sides of the aisle, the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, and earlier that day the Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

But now, with her confirmation hearing in front of the whole Senate only a few days away, she would host another guest who was set to arrive any second. She waited on the porch in seasonally appropriate attire as she waited for her guest to arrive.

Caroline Simone was no stranger to Eliza Wolf. They'd met briefly during President Tawney's State of the Union addresses, she'd spoken to her after President Wolf's death, and she'd in general tried to be supportive - woman to woman - despite their conflicting parties. Today's meeting, however, would be significantly more transactional. It'd go without saying that Eliza Wolf was one of President Richardson's more controversial nominees, and whilst Caroline was no longer Speaker, having been Speaker once and now being Ranking Member on Foreign Affairs in the House gave her some sway to lend credibility to Eliza and ensure her passage through the Senate's confirmation process was painless.

After being dropped off by her driver at the front porch, wearing an orange shawl over a yellow suit jacket and skirt, she smiled softly and greeted her hostess, "Eliza, you look well!"

[New Cobastheia]

Eliza LeBlanc Wolf
Washington, DC
January 23, 2021

(Image)

Eliza had been spending a large amount of time at the property in DC. Originally it was purchased when her Husband took the job at Fox News, but over the course of his Presidency, it would see much less use given that the White House, was the White House. But in these days, the days in which Eliza was the nominee to become the next U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., it would see much more use. Over the last few weeks, it had hosted a number of officials, the new First and Second Couples, the leaders of the House and Senate, a number of important Senators from both sides of the aisle, the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, and earlier that day the Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

But now, with her confirmation hearing in front of the whole Senate only a few days away, she would host another guest who was set to arrive any second. She waited on the porch in seasonally appropriate attire as she waited for her guest to arrive.

Caroline Simone was no stranger to Eliza Wolf. They'd met briefly during President Tawney's State of the Union addresses, she'd spoken to her after President Wolf's death, and she'd in general tried to be supportive - woman to woman - despite their conflicting parties. Today's meeting, however, would be significantly more transactional. It'd go without saying that Eliza Wolf was one of President Richardson's more controversial nominees, and whilst Caroline was no longer Speaker, having been Speaker once and now being Ranking Member on Foreign Affairs in the House gave her some sway to lend credibility to Eliza and ensure her passage through the Senate's confirmation process was painless.

After being dropped off by her driver at the front porch, wearing an orange shawl over a yellow suit jacket and skirt, she smiled softly and greeted her hostess, "Eliza, you look well!"

"As do you Carrie," Eliza said as the two women shook hands. Opening the door and leading the way to the living room she continued, "Care if I take your coat? Oh and would you want anything to drink?"

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"As do you Carrie," Eliza said as the two women shook hands. Opening the door and leading the way to the living room she continued, "Care if I take your coat? Oh and would you want anything to drink?"

Divesting herself of her coat and shawl, she offers them to Eliza for the cloakroom, surprised there weren't staff, in all honesty, "It's a bit early in the day for something boozy, so I think just a coffee will do me fine. Black, two sugars." She hummed as she looked around, realizing she'd never entered the private domain of the Wolfs before. This was something wholly new. A glance into the personal rather than the bombast that surrounded the White House.

[Helliniki Katastasis]

---

January 23, 2021
Ithaca, New York

"Our Youth Deserve Better"

It was day two of his statewide tour, and the now slightly groggy governor let out a sigh of relief as his plane touched down in Ithaca. Home of two esteemed universities, the Ivy League Cornell University, and the regional Ithaca College. Letting the final drops of coffee fall into his mouth, he brushed off his shirt and prepared to head out onto the tarmac. Donning a black overcoat, he put on a warm smile as he went down the stairs, waving to a small crowd of reporters and police officers. Walking past the cameras without much more than a hello, he climbed into the back of a Suburban. The driver pulled off the tarmac, and into the snow-burdened streets of the city. About a half hour later, they arrived at a local high school. Before the podium was a crowd of college students, parents, educators, and as usual, a horde of reporters. Taking a sip of water, he began.

"Of all the times I've been to Ithaca, both as a child as well as in my adult life, I have considered it one of the most beautiful places in our great state. Growing up just five miles down the road, I would often drive up with my dad to get groceries, or supplies for his next tinkering project. Thank You for this opportunity to revisit a city close to my heart, and talk about an issue that truly matters to me. The number-one domestic issue facing our state today is our broken education system. For far too long, corrupt politicians have taken advantage of our youth to pursue political agendas and harm our kids. As a father myself, I have seen this firsthand. When my children were school-age, the state openly admitted to falsifying test scores to prove a point. Lackluster screening of teachers and school officials led to poor teaching, poor environments, and tragic incidents of harassment and sexual assault. It is no secret that today, things are better than they were twenty-some years ago. Education reform has brought greater parental choice, more funding for struggling schools, more accountability for results, higher standards, and better teaching. However, we still have much more to tackle.

I believe we must help the downtrodden families of our state. This means we must triple state funding for schools that serve a large number of middle and low-income students. For far too long, the wealthy in this state have afforded to send their children to top-brass schools, while our public and charter schools lay abandoned and left to rot. Our children are set up to fail. This must change, and an increase in funding will provide millions of dollars in needed aid for schools across the state, to invest in the newest technology and safety standards, renovate and improve campuses, and foster a welcoming and open environment for students. We must set a statewide annual salary floor for teachers of $50,000. We have let teachers slide into poverty and live paycheck-to-paycheck for decades. I tell pledge to you that the buck stops with me. All teachers, kindergarten through university, whether they are public, private, or charter, a guaranteed living wage of at least 50,000 dollars a year. This will not only help teachers get on their feet financially to help their own families, but to further help our students. In addition, we absolutely have to provide universal school meals: breakfast, lunch, and snacks for every student year-round. Students of all ages, color, and income status have gone to school hungry, and came back the same way. Providing universal breakfast and lunch for all students K-12 that want it, and snacks for our younger students, will help them energize and maintain productivity throughout the day, without costing their parents a dime. And these lunches will undergo a mandatory quality check, and the state will provide lists of approved lunch distributors to school districts around the state. No longer will students be forced to eat moldy bread and drink spoiled milk. I guarantee that every student in New York will receive a delicious, healthy, and substantial lunch for half the cost of current lunches. This doesn't mean that the lunches will be cheap - but that we will source every student's lunch from farms and stores within a fifty-mile radius of the school. This benefits both local producers, and the children of our schools.

And as for you college students in the crowd today, I have news for you. For too long now have your perils been ignored. For far too long now have students been crippled by their debt years, sometimes decades, after graduation. This stops with me. Every student in New York at a qualifying university will be forgiven of at least 30% of their student loan debt, courtesy of the state of New York. And- (students clapping), an-and I am pleased to announce that any student in the state that meets the requirements can apply for a full student debt payoff at dfs.ny.gov or by contacting the Department of Financial Services. This will greatly assist the students of New York in their pursuit of valuable careers to serve the State of New York. No longer will students be forced to siphon off large amounts of their paycheck towards student loans. No longer will families forgo college opportunities for their children because of finances. Everyone in New York deserves a fair shake, and this will further opportunity for every New Yorker. I look forward to greater horizons for the youth of our state! Thank You, and God Bless New York!"

Cameras snapped, and the crowd ringed with applause as he exited the stage and climbed back into the SUV. Driving back to the airport, he now had to put on a solemn face. A quick plane ride to New York City was followed not by a frenzy of reporters or a motorcade, but by a rescue helicopter. Boarding the aircraft, a short trip to survey blizzard damage on Long Island was followed by a meeting with local residents, and countless handshakes and promises to help rebuild. He couldn't help but feel for these people, but there wasn't much he could do at that moment. Returning to Albany later that night, he retreated to his office. The Governor was asleep, and tomorrow was going to be a big day.

[New Cobastheia]

"As do you Carrie," Eliza said as the two women shook hands. Opening the door and leading the way to the living room she continued, "Care if I take your coat? Oh and would you want anything to drink?"

Divesting herself of her coat and shawl, she offers them to Eliza for the cloakroom, surprised there weren't staff, in all honesty, "It's a bit early in the day for something boozy, so I think just a coffee will do me fine. Black, two sugars." She hummed as she looked around, realizing she'd never entered the private domain of the Wolfs before. This was something wholly new. A glance into the personal rather than the bombast that surrounded the White House.

Eliza would in turn take the coat and shawl and took them away, along with her own coat which in turn revealed the fitted purple dress she was wearing underneath, before making her way to the kitchen where she'd start the coffee pot up.

While it brewed she noticed Carrie looking around, "Like the decore, I picked out most of it when we moved down here back in 2012."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Eliza would in turn take the coat and shawl and took them away, along with her own coat which in turn revealed the fitted purple dress she was wearing underneath, before making her way to the kitchen where she'd start the coffee pot up.

While it brewed she noticed Carrie looking around, "Like the decore, I picked out most of it when we moved down here back in 2012."

"Looks good, looks good," She remarked in idle conversation, before looking back at her. "It stands you in real good stead that you decided to meet with me. Looking like a partisan would be bad for you even if the Senate was in your party's hands, the job you're being put up for is crucially important, even if the UN seems really redundant."

[Velahor]

Office of Representative Maxine Caroline Durant (Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District)

"You want a fence? You decided to call me, a sitting house member, and call about wanting you to write a bill that will make it, and I quote: "Illegal for Trespassing on your lawn"- Sir. Sir, Sir... I'm very sorry to say I can't help you with that. Why not? Well, for starters, that's sometin' that y'all would be fine with havin' yer local police take care of. Yes. Go talk to the local police and please let your poor congresswoman do her job. I don't give a rat's ass if you didn't vote for me. I'm your representative, now go chat with the police about gittin' those wanderin' cows off your property. The cops round that part are real good, nice, god fearin' folks. An AtheIst? Well, I'm afraid it'll be up to the goddamned flying spaghetti monster, Thanks fer callin' and not fer pressin' charges. Bye, uh... Amanda."

With that, she landed the receiver with a slight thud, reaching over on one side of her desk to pull out a large bottle of Coca-Cola. Before she could relax following the phone call with a "concerned member of the public", a series of knocks on the door startled her concentration in opening it.

"I really don't get paid enough for this shit..." She grumbled to herself before standing up for her desk and opening the door to her office. What she was was Representative Diane Paulson standing there. She flicked a switch and a beaming smile, filled to the brim with southern hospitality oozed out of each crevice in her teeth.

"Why, howdy y'all. You must be Paul. Wait. Paulson. Don't just stand there, come on in!" Durant exclaimed with a wide grin on her face, motioning her to a chair before taking a look outside the hallway in each direction, shutting the door firmly behind.

"Now, You're here, uh...pony express mail mentioned a 'gun rights bill, and the joys of a concentrated republican trifecta." She stated, looking down briefly at the contents of the e-mail her elderly Cathode Ray Tubed Monitor.

"I'd like some meat n' potatoes, if y'all don't mind me sayin', n' if y'all git what I means by it." She chuckled affably to herself before sitting behind the desk.

"Absolutely, Representative! I'm so glad I could stop by to chat with you about this."

Diane stopped and took a seat.

"So, I wanted to make sure we got off on the right foot here. I was surprised to hear your objection the other day on my Clean Congress Act, but also quite curious about it, since you seem to care quite a bit about saving money for your constituents. So what's holding you back from supporting it? Surely the great people of Mississippi would rather keep that money than paying members of Congress five times what the average Joe living in your state makes."

[New Cobastheia]

Eliza would in turn take the coat and shawl and took them away, along with her own coat which in turn revealed the fitted purple dress she was wearing underneath, before making her way to the kitchen where she'd start the coffee pot up.

While it brewed she noticed Carrie looking around, "Like the decore, I picked out most of it when we moved down here back in 2012."

"Looks good, looks good," She remarked in idle conversation, before looking back at her. "It stands you in real good stead that you decided to meet with me. Looking like a partisan would be bad for you even if the Senate was in your party's hands, the job you're being put up for is crucially important, even if the UN seems really redundant."

"I'm well aware how important the job is, even more so now after talking with a whole host of people who've spent their careers there," She said as she brought over two cups of coffee, one for Carrie and one for herself, "And besides, even if I didn't it's not like you don't have any influence over your own party and how they might see my nomination."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"I'm well aware how important the job is, even more so now after talking with a whole host of people who've spent their careers there," She said as she brought over two cups of coffee, one for Carrie and one for herself, "And besides, even if I didn't it's not like you don't have any influence over your own party and how they might see my nomination."

"Well, I can make it a hell of a lot easier for you, smoother. See off some of the difficult questions, give you a little direction on what to say in certain situations. Swing a vote or two, and that's all it'd take to make it a done deal," She hummed, finding a seat to settle into, "But I'm also conscious of the fact my ability to influence this administration is limited, and big foreign policy challenges lie ahead."

[Dentali]

Characters: President Richardson, Senate Majority Leader Hertzog, CoS Bob Abernathy
Players: Dentali, Sarenium, New Coba
Location: White House, Washington DC
Date: January 23rd, 2021

In the Early Afternoon the primary meeting of the day came to pass. Richardson and his Chief waited patiently in the Oval for the guest to arrive for a critical negotiation.

Senator Hertzog arrived at the White House slightly early, but nonetheless he would be directed towards the Oval. It wasn’t his first time in the room, but it was always interesting to see the changes that every new President brought with them. Making his way towards Richardson he offered up his hand, “Congratulations on the new job, Mr. President.”

“I could say the same to you Mr. Majority Leader” Richardson shook the man’s hand “Thank you for seeing me in such a short time frame.” Richardson introduced his lieutenant, “I believe you know my Chief of Staff from his time with Senator (Not McCain), and his time in that seat…”

“Bob,” the Senate Majority Leader said as he nodded over at the man as he and the President finished their handshake, “Hope everything’s going well with you… So, should we get to the elephant in the room then?”

“Of course” Nate said gesturing towards a couch as he sat in the one opposite

“I would like to make sure the American people have a relief bill to get them through the next few months… I’ve sent the draft over to your office a short time back.”

“I noticed, although I have to say it was a pretty big move on your part to already have it introduced in the House.”

“We wanted to make sure the American people knew we were taking the situation seriously… Time is of the essence and this bill will get us through to September, during which time we can work on more permanent measures…. I consider this triage.”, Richardson spoke in a calm assuring tone to the Majority Leader, attempting to convey his respect.

“Fair enough,” Hertzog stated as he tried to keep the atmosphere in the room while thinking away underneath.

“Whats your opinion on the bill as it stands?” Richardson continued

“I share the opinion of most members in my caucus, it’s a perfectly inoffensive bill, but it could use some work if you’d want to pass it by a larger margin in the Senate. Specifically when it comes to the Child Tax Credit, SNAP, Unemployment Insurance, and Healthcare.”

“I’m open to your suggestions” Richardson said diplomatically “although…” he trailed a bit, “Once we get over $1.5 trillion my party will begin to bolt… at a rate that I believe would exceed whatever we might gain from the Democratic party…” Richardson straightened up and cleared his throat “It's one of the reasons I want this to be a short term, triage bill instead of something comprehensive.”

Bob entered the conversation, “Senator Hertzog, how many dollars are we talking, and how many votes would come with it?”

Richardson gave a cursory nod in agreement as Bob spoke.

“If my caucus gets everything it would want out of this bill I could promise most of their votes, but then again if they get everything they’d want it’d be about $400bn extra, which given your limit I’d imagine wouldn’t cut it.” Hertzog stated in a relaxed manner.

“If you could give me some detailed items and price tags… that would be helpful. I can’t give you everything but I can give you some… And i’m willing to cut back a few items of my own to make some space...” said Richardson matching the relaxed tone

“Let’s start with one of the cheaper things then. The Child Tax Credit, multiple members of my caucus expressed interest in bumping it up to $3,600 regardless of the child’s age.”

“That might be doable…” Richardson said while checking in with Bob, “I ran on expanding the EITC, the CTC, and creating the blue collar tax credit… The plan was to introduce them as a combined package in… two months?” Richardson looked at Bob somewhat unsure “Tentatively, depending on negotiations and writing.”

“The Republicans on the Hill are hesitant to pass anything too permanent in a relief package,” Bob contributed.

“Exactly right” Nate nodded “So am I for the record, we are pressed for time and I would rather give more permanent measures a bit more due consideration and development.”

Hertzog listen along as the two men spoke and kept note in his head. The picture the two men were painting were one in which they wanted to wait until they could have a chance to write the bill under a Republican trifecta. “So is it maybe doable or actually doable as far as you two are concerned when it comes to increasing the CTC?”

“In my estimation… and no concrete promises in this moment… But yes increasing the CTC to the suggested amount till September is something we can make happen…. Once that’s done we can work on something a bit more permanent.” Richardson was confident but not absolutely so, at the very least he could get close to the requested amount

“After that a good chunk of Senators expressed concern in not removing the work requirements for SNAP, given the recession and whatnot. Any idea how that might go with your own party?”


“Work requirements are popular, they work and they are minimal already… you can do charity work… 80 hours a month and you don’t need to work if you have someone under 18 in the home. I don’t see how that is not doable for people.”


“Keeping work requirements in, is how we were able to convince a batch of House Republicans to stay on board,” Bob replied stone faced, expressing how unimpressed with Hertzog he was with it.

“It’s actually anyone under 6 if I remember right… And work requirements might be popular during normal times, but I wouldn’t call a national crisis in which 11% of Americans are out of work to be normal times. Personally, I’d be more worried about how doable it might be for a Senator with a lot of out of work constituencies at risk of starving to filibuster the bill if removing the work requirements for SNAP aren’t in it.”

“If work requirements were to be suspended for three months,” Bob mused, his expressions showed that it would be a stretch to get a suspension from Republicans, “would you bring down your inordinately large sum to a more manageable figure that we could get Republicans on board with?”

*After some discussion*

“Here is what I can give you…” Richardson said with some consternation

“First of all, I want to save Broadband for the Infrastructure Bill. As I said I can’t increase this bill by too much and 80 billion is going to eat up a ton of wiggle room I have. I can increase SNAP and the CTC as requested for the duration of the bill…. As for the work requirement you haven’t presented me with any viable reason why we should cut it… but since you’re insistent I will support cutting the requirement down to 40 hours for the next 3 months.”

“I won’t support Senator Obradovic’s minimum wage bill, but I will support BUILD on the condition that Republican co-sponsors are added… And that the relief bill be given IMMEDIATE priority over any other bill in the Senate. Rural Opportunity is doable as is VA. I can give you $70 billion to spread between Healthcare and economic assistance…. $243 is impossible.”

Senator Hertzog replied, “I’d disagree on presenting any viable reason why the work requirements should be cut, but that’s beyond the point at this point... I’d suggest finding a Republican to introduce that amendment in the Senate if you’re only willing to go down to 40 hours for the additional work requirement. But for the rest of it though, the SNAP and CTC, the Rural Opportunity and VA funding, and the $70 billion, well I’d be happy to start getting my caucus on it so by the time the relief bill gets to the Senate we’d be ready for it.”

Richardson nodded and exhaled “I’ll try and get it changed in the house as soon as possible before it hits the senate for the sake of speed… tell you what… I can probably give you between $70 and $100b between Healthcare, Economic Assistance and Broadband. How would you like that distributed?”

“I can work with that, I’d probably have to talk with my caucus to get more specific, but $30bn could go from broadband and then $35bn each for the Healthcare and Economic Assistance sections of the bill.” Hertzog replied, “But if you can only get $70bn past your party, my party would be happy to just split that between Healthcare and Economic Assistance.”

Richardson countered “How about $30 for Healthcare, $30 for Economic Assistance and whatever extra I can get for Broadband? Mainly because I most definitely think we can do broadband later in the Infrastructure bill.”

Hertzog thought it over for a second or two before replying, “Keep in touch and I’ll make sure a amendment gets drafted for as much broadband funding as you can get out of your party, but I’d want at least $20bn for it if we’re going to go down to 30/30 for the other two.”


“I’ll do what I can Senator” Richardson stood up “Thank you for your time… my office will be in touch.”

“Thank you for your time too Mr. President,” Hertzog started as he got up and shook the man’s hand, “My office will be sure to pick up the phone whenever you call.”

[New Cobastheia]

"I'm well aware how important the job is, even more so now after talking with a whole host of people who've spent their careers there," She said as she brought over two cups of coffee, one for Carrie and one for herself, "And besides, even if I didn't it's not like you don't have any influence over your own party and how they might see my nomination."

"Well, I can make it a hell of a lot easier for you, smoother. See off some of the difficult questions, give you a little direction on what to say in certain situations. Swing a vote or two, and that's all it'd take to make it a done deal," She hummed, finding a seat to settle into, "But I'm also conscious of the fact my ability to influence this administration is limited, and big foreign policy challenges lie ahead."

Eliza took a seat opposite Carrie on the same couch, "Sounds like some of those big foreign policy challenges ahead are bothering you, care to name a few," She said as she took a sip of her coffee.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Eliza took a seat opposite Carrie on the same couch, "Sounds like some of those big foreign policy challenges ahead are bothering you, care to name a few," She said as she took a sip of her coffee.

"Well, there's this China business - it's going to require a multilateral approach that factors in economics - and my experience of Nate Richardson is that he's a man of great goals but insufficient ideological conviction. If he's serious about contesting China, he'll need to do things he thinks are vote-losers if he's going to do it. Then there's the matter of Afghanistan. The previous administration's grand peace plan."

[Newne Carriebean7]

Office of Representative Maxine Caroline Durant (Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District)
"Well.. Truthfully, I did sort of wanna play "Devil's Advocate" for us poor old lawmakers. I thought to myself "I don't wanna turn my nearly 174k salary every year into a 134k salary each and every year.'. I didn't want to take a pay cut. That don't mean I don't got no sympathy for the folks who are outta work in my state. I've got a pretty damn good idea the kinda shit people in Mississippi have been going through. Having to tighten our belts, the nervousness of the poor fellers in my district. Hell, I've even been called on by a couple that wanted me to step on in from the bank forclosin' on their farm home!"

Maxine pauses and takes a small sip of Coca-Cola that sat beside her desk before continuing.

"Now, I ain't no idiot. It's bad out there, real bad. One of the worst economy's I've seen in quite some time. That's sayin' somethin, since I was pokin' at Baharia since I first got to the Hill. I've been in their shoes for periods of months at a time. When I was in College I tended to bounce around from month to month from tons and tons of professions n' jabs. That damn 5 percent increase in out-side income is pretty much worthless to me. My only job since '14's been a congress-wimman. I mean, 'fore that I was inna M'sssippii's state senate, n' even before that I managed a newspaper and worked for a newspaper. "

"However, there is one good thing I like aboout that bill. If Congress ain't workin' we don't git paid. If there's a shutdown, we don't need a damn penny. We owe that service to our constituents, and I ain't about to take a pay check until the lights come back on in the Capitol buildin' or Smithsonian. Now, I know that times, they ain't the peachist right now. I'm pretty sure they will git better, but not by cuttin' the pay of the people who are workin' to fix it. That ain't right, it's stupid. If the lights don't come on, then us just has to be a 'house o' unpaid volunteers'. Now, I just don't see how in the hell a reduction of salary leads to a promotion o' faith by the general public. We'd still be gittin' paid hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, often when the fellers in my own district are poor fellers that I have come to love. I say unashamedly that I''d like the number have a 7 in between the 1 n' the 4 rather than a '3. Forty thousand dollars is one helluva kick in the gut to git. It might be greed that motivated me, or it could have been a genuine concern for the hard work that 434 of my representative buddies need to conduct. In all honesty, if we could form a goddamned union to get a pay raise, I'd...look into the idea, just don't tell the press I said that."

[Louisianan]

Houston, Texas
January 20, 2021
Representative Linda D. Lazare

---

"Good afternoon constituents, and members of the press. I'd officially like to thank you for re-electing me as your representative in the United States Congress. As promised in my re-election, I will continue to fight for the rights of women, continue to fight for minorities, and continue to fight to better the lives of my constituents of all backgrounds. With that being said, I've prepared to resubmit the PDPD Act. The Public Divulgence of Prescription Discounts and Real-Time Recipient Prescription Expense Act is a bill that I believe to be important to those in need, and important to consumers nationwide. I've also redrafted the HPPSO Act and am currently looking for sponsors and co-sponsors. I will be officially submitting these bills within the coming months." Linda smiles and waits for applause as she rips a sticky note in half and places it in her pocket,

"Thank you all again, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for our district, state, and country in this new administration!"

Linda steps away from the podium and smiles as she shakes hands and hugs constituents, she quickly finds her husband and they leave together. As they sit in their car, Rodney gives Linda a kiss.

"I thought today was the day." he said to her as he buckled his seatbelt, "I know you've been excited, then I saw you tear that paper up."

"I.." Linda said as she looked into his eyes before looking outside of the car window, "I don't want to announce anything just yet. I'm afraid that later on down the line I have some sort of complications. It's hereditary, and besides, I don't want to have to deal with that publicly."

"Understandable, I want you to take this at your own pace, and you need to remember to keep cool. Don't overexert yourself, and..." Rodney said as Linda interrupted him,

"I'm a nurse. I know what I can and can't do as a mother and as a pregnant old shrew." she smiled, "Now, take me to the airport, I can't be with you for much longer if you plan to stay alive to meet your kid. Plus, I need to make this world a better place for it."

[Velahor]

Office of Representative Maxine Caroline Durant (Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District)
"Well.. Truthfully, I did sort of wanna play "Devil's Advocate" for us poor old lawmakers. I thought to myself "I don't wanna turn my nearly 174k salary every year into a 134k salary each and every year.'. I didn't want to take a pay cut. That don't mean I don't got no sympathy for the folks who are outta work in my state. I've got a pretty damn good idea the kinda shit people in Mississippi have been going through. Having to tighten our belts, the nervousness of the poor fellers in my district. Hell, I've even been called on by a couple that wanted me to step on in from the bank forclosin' on their farm home!"

Maxine pauses and takes a small sip of Coca-Cola that sat beside her desk before continuing.

"Now, I ain't no idiot. It's bad out there, real bad. One of the worst economy's I've seen in quite some time. That's sayin' somethin, since I was pokin' at Baharia since I first got to the Hill. I've been in their shoes for periods of months at a time. When I was in College I tended to bounce around from month to month from tons and tons of professions n' jabs. That damn 5 percent increase in out-side income is pretty much worthless to me. My only job since '14's been a congress-wimman. I mean, 'fore that I was inna M'sssippii's state senate, n' even before that I managed a newspaper and worked for a newspaper. "

"However, there is one good thing I like aboout that bill. If Congress ain't workin' we don't git paid. If there's a shutdown, we don't need a damn penny. We owe that service to our constituents, and I ain't about to take a pay check until the lights come back on in the Capitol buildin' or Smithsonian. Now, I know that times, they ain't the peachist right now. I'm pretty sure they will git better, but not by cuttin' the pay of the people who are workin' to fix it. That ain't right, it's stupid. If the lights don't come on, then us just has to be a 'house o' unpaid volunteers'. Now, I just don't see how in the hell a reduction of salary leads to a promotion o' faith by the general public. We'd still be gittin' paid hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, often when the fellers in my own district are poor fellers that I have come to love. I say unashamedly that I''d like the number have a 7 in between the 1 n' the 4 rather than a '3. Forty thousand dollars is one helluva kick in the gut to git. It might be greed that motivated me, or it could have been a genuine concern for the hard work that 434 of my representative buddies need to conduct. In all honesty, if we could form a goddamned union to get a pay raise, I'd...look into the idea, just don't tell the press I said that."

Diane patiently nodded along.

She then replied, “I get what you’re saying. But when it comes down to it, I guess I’m doing what’s best for my constituency too. One of the biggest complaints that I hear in Maine from people frustrated with an incompetent government, is that politicians all seem to be able to not be able to come to a consensus about paying themselves way more than most hard-working farmers and such make, but they can't seem to come to a consensus about anything else. They ask, how can they trust a government like that?"

"This bill turns the tables on that narrative. If we can come to a consensus around cutting our own pay, we set the tone of this Congress as one of cooperation for the better of the American people. When we do that, our other bills to for instance cuts on spending and regulatory waste or securing gun rights will be much better received by the public."

"I worked for Reagan as Press Secretary, so my experience in the field of building public favorability for legislation is quite great. I really believe in the strategy of starting out with the relief bill and the pay cuts. After a hotly contested election, it's good PR."

"You don't have to go along with the strategy, but the party will reap the rewards if we can prove to be the level-headed ones going through this first year, especially if we can manage to win that Wisconsin seat."