Tradition is important in Congress, but one tradition is about to end -- partially.
For almost two centuries, it has been the custom for youngsters to serve as pages, running errands and performing other tasks for members of Congress.
The honored youths attended special classes for their education, while also serving at the beck and call of lawmakers in the Capitol.
But now House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., say the annual cost of $5 million can't be justified. Electronic communication has made many of the things the pages have done since the 1820s obsolete, so the House page program will end this month. The program will continue in the Senate.
Fortunately, many other customs and ceremonial traditions will remain fully intact among the ladies and gentlemen of Congress.