Editorial: Puffery is not a priority

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006 | 7:22 a.m.

We have criticized the Nevada Legislature for spending too much time during its biennial sessions issuing proclamations and formally recognizing people, groups and even state symbols. There is too little time for this, as witnessed every year by the chaotic scene during the Legislature's final 24 hours.

Now the Arizona Star has checked congressional records and has discovered that in Congress' current "do nothing" session, there have been at least 600 commemorative resolutions.

One resolution recognized the historical significance and achievements of the curling community in Bemidji, Minn., which hosted the U.S. curling World Team Trials in March. Another resolution noted the important role of air conditioning and recognized April 23-29 as "National Indoor Comfort Week."

Such resolutions can endear members of Congress to special-interest groups and political action committees back home, and a certain amount of such puffery is probably unavoidable.

In our view, however, 600 such resolutions are way too many. Imagine the staff and floor time that it takes to prepare, read and approve them. A 1990 study estimated that commemorative legislation costs $1 million a year, a figure certainly well eclipsed by now.

Ultimately, though, it is not the cost but the time that becomes an issue. Congress is on a pace to spend less than 100 days in session this year. When time is that precious, important work, such as passing an immigration bill, should be prioritized. Let the air-conditioning industry spread the word about indoor comfort on its own.