Senators sing blues over impasse; GOP hopefuls stuck in DC
WASHINGTON (AP) – Senators are singing the blues over an impasse that’s keeping some of them off the presidential campaign trail, away from overseas trips and waiting for the Memorial Day break to begin.
Tennessee Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander tapped out “Memphis Blues” on a borrowed piano in his office ahead of his performance Saturday night on the banks of the Mississippi River. The presidential candidates canceled their appearances at a GOP cattle call in Oklahoma. Democrats led by New Mexico Democratic Sen. Tom Udall waited to leave for Cuba, while lawmakers headed to Asia waited on their leader, Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain.
At issue are whether to update or extend the government’s power to spy on American phone calls, transportation funding and President Barack Obama’s power to strike a trade deal.
