LORENZO, LINCOLN, CHASE, ADAM, MADISON, REAGAN, and SAM are all in the House chamber.
REAGAN
Guys, I need your help.
LORENZO
Even mine?
REAGAN
Sadly, even yours.
MADISON
What’s wrong?
REAGAN
Remember that Flag Station Act where I got rid of flag stations?
ADAM
Yeah.
REAGAN
Turns out, almost everyone in our district loves the flag stations. Even though practically nobody uses them.
SAM
Probably a tradition thing. Some people don’t want drastic changes.
REAGAN
This was barely a change at all.
LINCOLN
They’ve been around since this district was created.
MADISON
You sure about that, Lincoln?
LINCOLN
No.
REAGAN
So anyways, I need your help figuring out how to fix this mess. I think I need to make a press conference and apologize to the citizens.
SAM
No, that would make you look weak.
CHASE
You could put out a statement online.
REAGAN
That’s a good idea!
SAM
Again, that’d make you look weak.
LORENZO
How about you personally apologize to everyone who voted on the bill?
REAGAN
So, everybody?
LORENZO
Yep.
REAGAN takes a deep breath and rolls her eyes.
REAGAN
I can see what you’re fishing for. Lorenzo, I’m sorry.
LORENZO
Apology accepted.
LINCOLN
Apologizing to anyone isn’t going to cut it. Plus, chances are nobody knows who even wrote the bill.
REAGAN
Somehow, word’s gotten out. [Giving MADISON a glance.] Somebody told a few people.
MADISON
I’m sorry! It’s just the local news wanted to know and since I’m a politician now it’s my duty to tell the truth!
CHASE
Why don’t you just write another bill?
REAGAN
On what?
CHASE
Reinstating flag stations.
REAGAN
So basically just write a bill undoing what my previous bill said?
CHASE
Uh huh.
REAGAN
Worth a shot I guess. Will you all help me with it?
SAM
Sure! Let’s add in some numbers, our colleagues seem to like that.
MADISON
Why don’t you just reinstate every flag station and then add on a few new ones?
LINCOLN
Okay, but we need numbers. 30 percent more flag stations?
ADAM
Covering 27.5 percent more land.
LORENZO
And water!
CHASE
Seriously?
LORENZO
Flag station in the water! No?
CHASE
No. I think 30 percent sounds fair.
REAGAN
Alright, noted. Thanks everyone!
When REAGAN is done drafting the bill, it goes up for debate.
SPEAKER
Care to explain this bill?
REAGAN
Yes. The Flag Station Act was admittedly a disaster. This bill reverses everything in it.
SPEAKER
An author of a bill completely undoing their own legislation. Risky, but I get it. Alright, let’s vote.
REAGAN
We’re not gonna do more debate?
SPEAKER
I’m retiring after this year. I think that’s all the answer you need.
After voting, the bill fails, 49-51.
REAGAN
So I guess the Flag Station Act stays.
MADISON
Don’t worry about it, at least you tried.
REAGAN
I needed results though!
LORENZO
Usually when I feel down I just think to myself: I have a high approval rating.
REAGAN
I don’t though. If I want to get re-elected, which I do, I need to figure out how to get back on the public’s good side.
SAM
Wanna brainstorm?
REAGAN
Eh, maybe another time.
REAGAN walks out. Everyone else follows.