No Picnic For Congress

Congress members and their families won't get a picnic on the White House lawn this year. First it was postponed. Now it's been canceled altogether. The White House called off the annual bash in the midst of debate over U.S. involvement in the conflict in Syria. Instead, the White House Office of Legislative Affairs has offered a consolation prize of sorts. It says lawmakers can bring their families to the White House holiday ball later this year. The picnic has been the rare event that gives all lawmakers the chance to hob-nob with the president.