1. United States
2. Okla.
3. Letter

Congress should absolutely not adjourn for an extended recess before the midterm elections. You were elected to govern—not to leave Washington for nearly two months while Americans are struggling with healthcare costs, housing, groceries, childcare, and countless other urgent issues. If members of Congress choose to adjourn without doing their jobs, their pay should be suspended during that time. Taxpayers should not fund an extended break for elected officials while essential work remains unfinished. The double standard is infuriating. Powerful elected officials can take lengthy absences when they face medical issues, yet many American women cannot even count on adequate paid leave after giving birth. Members of Congress enjoy excellent healthcare, financial security, and workplace flexibility while millions of the people they represent are denied those same basic protections. Healthcare, paid family leave, and affordability should not be privileges reserved for people at the top. They are basic needs. Do not adjourn and abandon the work you were elected to do. Stay in session, address the problems facing American families, and earn the salary taxpayers provide.