We’re no strangers to snow here in Wisconsin. Usually even in heavy storms our lives move at the regular pace. But last Wednesday, Madison experienced a blizzard that shut the whole city down. By evening, even the Metro Bus system had to call it quits.

Of course, I was still determined to stay on schedule and get to D.C. But after numerous thwarted rescheduling attempts to get a flight, I gave in and instead did what everyone in Madison, Beloit, and all of southern Wisconsin had to do.

I pulled on my boots and shoveled.

The next day roads were clear and I was on a plane to DC. I made it to the Capitol with just 30 minutes to spare before the roll call on the Higher Education Reauthorization Bill. With the majority of a bipartisan Congress, I voted for the bill, and sent it on to the Senate.

Next up, I had the honor of presiding as speaker pro tem over the Economic Stimulus Bill you’ve been hearing about in the news. Both the House and the Senate passed the bill, which will provide tax rebates to over 100 million Americans and boost consumer spending in this difficult economic slump.

After dinner and a good night’s sleep, I turned around and was on my way back to a beautiful, snow-covered Madison.

It was a whirlwind of 48 hours, but I’m pleased to say that in those two days I managed to clear off both my driveway and my desk.