That’s the first thing I thought when I read this long list of sequestration effects. Yes, they’re terrible, and most are just really nonsensical from a public policy point of view. (And if you don’t have time for the whole list, just read this one.)

But what’s more significant, I think, is this: Congress has been on a two-week recess. Have they heard about any of these effects when they were back home? It’s oversimplifying to suggest that that an outcry back home would have been enough to pressure Congress into immediately doing something about this upon their return—but if they’re not hearing about the negative effects from constituents back home, that would seem to significantly diminish any chance that it will be repealed or replaced anytime soon.