Letter to Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House - Wittman Urges Pelosi to Cancel August Recess
Letter
Dear Speaker Pelosi:
Today, I write to urge you to cancel August recess if the House has not completed the many critical issues facing our Nation and the American people before the end of July. I would also like to offer my full support to working on bipartisan, realistic funding bills, even if the House must convene during late nights, weekends and forgo August recess. Our chamber has major issues affecting the American people that deserve thorough debate and examination.
Further delaying the return to regular order, President Biden only recently submitted his budget proposal to Congress, the latest budget submission in modern history. As a result, the House has yet to even begin consideration of the twelve annual appropriation bills on the floor. Furthermore, the House has additional pressing pieces of legislation that need addressing before it can responsibly send members back to their districts, such as a bipartisan infrastructure package and holding China accountable as Congress and the Administration pursue answers to COVID-19s origins. With fewer than 21 legislative days remaining until the beginning of August, Congress should remain in Washington until this work is complete. While many Americans are looking forward to a "return to normal" this summer, Congress must work on solutions to combat the lingering economic effects of the pandemic while restoring our nation's fiscal health.
I appreciate that district work periods allow members to visit with constituents back in their respective communities, but it has become a habit for Congress to abandon a long "to do" list in the rush to get out of town. But Congress has not done its job. Our constituents expect us to stay and complete the work of the American people. The American people expect Congress to work diligently to pass critical national priorities and fund the government through regular order.
These serious national priorities, are too important to postpone. I ask that you keep the House in session to finish the business of the American people. Furthermore, I ask that you urge the Senate to remain in Washington until the appropriations process and other key pieces of legislation are complete.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Wittman
Member of Congress
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