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Floor Charts for the Floor Show

Our favorite garish visual aids from a month of congressional floor-watching

(Courtesy of @FloorCharts screenshot of C-SPAN)
(Courtesy of @FloorCharts screenshot of C-SPAN)

Guilty headshots, crumb debates and George Washington’s face— watching the action on the House and Senate floors can be a thankless task. But the floor charts make it all worthwhile.

Lawmakers like these oversized and sometimes garish visual aids because they help them get their points across. The Twitter handle @FloorCharts posts some of the daily highlights, and Roll Call now provides a monthly roundup of the best of the best.

On Sept. 25, during debate on a bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Edward Markey talked about airline fees … in billions.

(Courtesy of @FloorCharts screenshot of C-SPAN)
(Courtesy of @FloorCharts screenshot of C-SPAN)

On Sept. 26, Montana Republican Steve Daines brought a map of his home state with him to the Senate floor. There appears to be, in very small letters, some kind of key on it that would explain what he was discussing.

(Courtesy of @FloorCharts screenshot of C-SPAN)
(Courtesy of @FloorCharts screenshot of C-SPAN)

On Sept. 27, California Democrat Eric Swalwell reminded the House floor of those who’ve been charged with crimes by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s investigation.

Courtesy of @FloorCharts screenshot of C-SPAN)
(Courtesy of @FloorCharts screenshot of C-SPAN)

On Sept. 27, Texas Republican Pete Olson spoke on the House floor about #keepingthecrumbs of the GOP tax overhaul. Democrats have claimed that returns from the bill have been mere crumbs. 

(Courtesy of @FloorCharts screenshot of C-SPAN)
(Courtesy of @FloorCharts screenshot of C-SPAN)

On Sept. 27, Oklahoma Republican Steve Russell brought a photograph of George Washington with him to the House floor to commemorate the 222nd anniversary of the former president’s farewell address.

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