Lawmakers rip through ‘House of Cards’

Just hours after the real-life drama of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding played out in the House on Friday, much of Washington took in Hollywood’s version, binge-watching the third season of “House of Cards.”

The newest episodes of the show, which stars Kevin Spacey as a corrupt, power-hungry commander in chief, were released Friday on Netflix.

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) wondered aloud on Twitter:

Why binge on #HouseofCards when Congress can stay all night and debate a DHS shutdown?

— Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) February 27, 2015

The House’s vote to extend the Department of Homeland Security’s funding for another week avoided a partial shutdown, with just hours to spare. But the saga threatened to put a kink in many “House of Cards” viewers’ plans:

I had hoped to be watching @HouseofCards Season 3 tonight, guess we’re just living it instead ..On Capitol Hill waiting on #DHS vote

— Kelly O’Donnell (@KellyO) February 28, 2015

One National Republican Congressional Committee staffer wrote:

Friday night plans: Watching the boss preside over the House & the DHS debacle. > House of Cards. pic.twitter.com/1RRnNewiaS

— Ken Farnaso (@kenfarnaso) February 28, 2015

Congress approves one week CR for DHS funding so they can return home and watch #HouseOfCards guilt free. pic.twitter.com/i5CjKx4HdL

— Adam Longo (@adamlongoCBS5) February 28, 2015

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was one lawmaker who admitted to indulging in marathon “House of Cards”-watching sessions. “When it comes out, for three, four days, I sit down with my iPad and watch the whole series,” the potential 2016 presidential candidate said last week. His office didn’t return ITK’s request for comment on whether he binged this weekend.
 
But much of Capitol Hill, including the Washington press corps, wasn’t so shy about what they were up to:

Now, I’m about to shut down for a few hours to watch @HouseofCards and @HowToGetAwayABC. Back after @TheGoodWife_CBS

— Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) March 1, 2015

OK, I admit it. So I am binging on @HouseofCards! Thanks, @FrankUnderwocd. #epic

— Mike Emanuel (@MikeEmanuelFox) March 1, 2015

No word on whether Rep. Keith Ellison was among those settling in for a “House of Cards” fest over the weekend, but the Minnesota Democrat used the popularity of the political thriller to promote the newest episode of his podcast:

Need a break from your #HouseofCards marathon? Take seven minutes to learn a little about home health care workers: https://t.co/Lp79RJ09Uv

— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) February 28, 2015