8/4/2011 - Unemployment benefits at risk and FAA shutdown

As it stands, most people laid off today will not be eligible to collect federal unemployment benefits after their state benefits run out. And those collecting federal benefits could find themselves cut off before receiving the full number of weeks for which they are now eligible

cnn 

There is news like this all over the place. Congress spends weeks debating the default, they pass it at huge costs to citizens, they make very few improvements other then cutting spending. 
I say that Congress should go without pay and benefits as long as this recession continues. 
I have never really despised politicians till now.... 

The Economic Policy Institute, a liberal think tank, estimates that the spending cuts will cost the economy 323,000 jobs in 2012. It also estimates that allowing the payroll tax holiday and extended unemployment benefits to expire could cost an additional 1.5 million jobs

Then there is the FAA shutdown: 

Washington (CNN) -- The Federal Aviation Administration has issued additional "stop work orders" to construction and technology contractors after Congress failed to reauthorize funding for the federal agency

CNN 

I hope Congress can't fly anywhere on their summer break.  

I need angrier emoticons. 

How badly are they trying to screw us?