No Weekend Dining Bailout for Congress During Crisis

As Congressional staffers worked over the September 27-28 weekend to craft a Wall Street bailout package, they were left with few onsite dining options, according to Roll Call magazine. The cafeterias managed by Restaurant Associates on the House side of Capitol Hill were closed over the weekend, though the Members Dining Room and two convenience retailing/grab-and-go carryout venues were open. The office of the House’s Chief Administrative Officer cited cost concerns. Capitol Hill dining venues are generally open only during the week, but the recent financial crisis prompted Congress to work the late September weekend crafting a compromise bill (ultimately defeated) to extend help to the nation's struggling financial sector.