Who Says Congress Can't Get Anything Done?

As someone who's regularly ridiculed and bemoaned the congressional leadership's inability to get things done for the people, I must now take a moment to offer some small thanks and praise to Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Arlen Specter, R-Pa., for making sure all of America can see the Patriots' historical chance to go 16-0 this weekend.

Saturday night's game between New England and the New York Giants on the NFL Network, which is available in fewer than 40 percent of the nation's homes with TVs, will be simulcast on CBS and NBC.

From the Associated Press:

Last week, two prominent members of the Senate Judiciary Committee sent a letter to Goodell threatening to reconsider the league's antitrust exemption.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who co-wrote the letter with Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., said he was "delighted" by the NFL's concession.

"I think it was a smart move on their part," he said in a phone interview.

Leahy expected to speak with Goodell again next month about the ongoing question of how many fans will be able to see games on the channel. Saturday's matchup wraps up the NFL Network's second season of airing live contests, with eight per year. This one and a key Thursday night game between Green Bay and Dallas last month drew widespread complaints about the lack of availability.

Sure it doesn't address growing income inequality, the need for universal health care or bringing an end to war in Iraq, but hey, we've got two powerful U.S. senators standing up to a monied special interest that's trying to squeeze a little bit more out of the people. It's a start.