Dana, as always, in non-rare form. And he gets some good quotes from Barney Frank, too!

When Dreier took his proposal to the floor this afternoon, it immediately became clear he was in for a workout. Democrats wondered, given all the abuses involving lobbyist-paid meals, travel and campaign financing, the first act of the second session of the 109th Congress should involve a fitness center in the basement of the Rayburn House Office Building.

"This rules change is so minor in relation to the magnitude of the problem that it doesn't amount to a drop in the ocean," complained Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-N.Y.). "It's going to take a lot more than preventing former members from going to the House gym to produce an ethical Congress."

Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), who knows when there's mischief to be made, interrupted the debate with a proposal. "I suggest a possible compromise because there is a certain self interest, let's be honest, for current members," he deadpanned. "Perhaps the modification could be that any former member using a piece of equipment would have to yield to a current member."

Go check it out!