We have more important issues than helium policy

The Republican leadership has a light-weight agenda this week. They called up a bill to cut an illness prevention fund in the health care reform law and then withdrew it. Today, the House will vote on making responsible helium policy. Yes, you read correctly: responsible helium policy. I think America is very deflated about this agenda.  

 Meanwhile, we have major problems that need solving and that demand the attention of this Congress now. We should be focused on how to get our nation out of debt, spur our nation’s economic recovery, and put 12 million Americans back to work.  

We have other big problems like sequestration-caused airport delays that could ultimately compromise our safety; college graduates who are falling deeper into debt with few job prospects; and our nation’s infrastructure is crumbling.  

So, what’s on the agenda next week, you ask? Nothing. The Republican leadership is taking Congress into recess next week after all its heavy lifting on helium policy this week.