1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my serious concern about the decision to end House floor proceedings early and recess until after the November election. Congress has significant unfinished business before it. Regardless of party, I believe Americans are entitled to expect their elected representatives to remain engaged in the legislative, appropriations, and oversight responsibilities for which they were elected. I recognize that members of Congress continue performing constituent and district work when the House is not holding floor votes. My objection is therefore not that members are literally doing no work. Rather, I am concerned that an extended absence from legislative session prevents the full House from debating and voting on matters that deserve congressional consideration. Among the unresolved matters is Representative Thomas Massie’s resolution seeking the impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The resolution raises serious questions concerning congressional war powers and the authorization of U.S. military operations involving Iran. Whatever members ultimately conclude about those allegations, Congress should address such questions through debate, oversight, investigation, and recorded votes rather than leaving them unresolved by departing Washington. There are also continuing questions surrounding congressional oversight and disclosure of records related to Jeffrey Epstein. Because these matters involve public confidence in government and justice for victims, I believe Congress should pursue them transparently and without regard to the political consequences for either party. I am particularly troubled by the appearance that an early recess can be used to avoid politically difficult votes immediately before an election. Elections are precisely when citizens should be able to know where their representatives stand. Difficult or controversial votes are part of representative government, not a reason for Congress to postpone its work. I therefore ask House leadership and individual members to support a congressional schedule that provides adequate time for debate, oversight, appropriations, and recorded votes on significant matters before the nation. I also ask Congress to exercise its legitimate constitutional oversight authorities concerning the conduct of the Department of Defense and U.S. military operations. Questions involving the use of American military force, expenditure of public funds, and the safety of American service members warrant serious congressional scrutiny regardless of which party controls the White House or Congress. Finally, I urge members of both parties to consider reforms that would make it more difficult for congressional leadership to use extended recesses or scheduling decisions to prevent consideration of matters that have substantial support among elected members. This is not simply a question of how many hours members spend in Washington. It is a question of accountability. Americans elect representatives to deliberate, conduct oversight, cast votes, and make their positions known—even when those votes are politically uncomfortable. Please use the authority of your office to insist upon transparency, congressional oversight, and the regular functioning of the legislative process.