Reality Difficult for Some Senators

Sometimes there are articles which just bring tears of joy to your eyes.

Senators trying to race home yesterday for the extended weekend caused by the Jewish holiday had to fight for airline seats just like the average tourist, thanks to a new ruling from the airline industry.

Because of new ethics rules forbidding gifts to senators, the Air Transport Association ruled that it would be a violation of the Senate's gift ban to allow senators to continue their usual practice of double- and, sometimes, triple-booking flights.

Wouldn't ya love to see the looks in their eyes: "We did WHAT??"

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, which has oversight of the issue, explained the practice this way: This week, it was unclear whether the Senate would finish Tuesday night or yesterday morning, so senators would have booked multiple flights, hedging their bets on when they could get away and paying only for the flight they took.

It's fortunate that this only happens to senators. Most of us can count on our meetings ending at a certain time and are sure we can catch our flights.

"The airlines have allowed us to hold these flights," Feinstein told On the Hill, explaining that it is a service that is also offered to the most frequent travelers on particular airlines -- and is, therefore, not a specific gift.

But the ATA believes it is a gift because it is a service not offered to regular customers.

Hum. A bit of a discrepancy here. I've never had an airlines allow me to book multiple flights. In the top floors of luxurious office buildings airline executives and senior management are breaking out the champagne and toasting one another. Good for them.

"Along with others impacted by the rules, the Air Transport Association airlines are seeking the guidance they need to fully understand and comply with both the letter and the spirit of the new congressional ethics rules," said James C. May, Air Transport Association president and chief executive.

At least three airlines -- Continental, Delta and Northwest -- have gone along with the industry ruling, wreaking havoc on senatorial schedulers. "Obviously, we're going to follow the rules," said Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

Obviously. I say, Mr. May, be as conservative as you can. Don't run the risk of violating any rule or regulation issued by the senate.