Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman announced his letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging her to cancel August recess if the House of Representatives has not completed the work relating to many critical issues facing the American people before the end of July, including passing the 12 appropriations bills. 

“One of Congress’ most basic duties is to fully fund the government, yet with few legislative days remaining, lawmakers have found themselves unable to get the job done,” Congressman Wittman writes in the letter. “Despite Congress’ failure to even consider the twelve annual appropriation bills on the house floor, Congress is set to adjourn for 6 weeks beginning in August. With so much work left to be done, it astounds me that Members of Congress feel justified in taking a month off.

“I encourage you to cancel August recess, keep the House in session and Members of Congress in Washington until both the appropriations process and other key pieces of legislation relating to issues facing our nation are complete.”

Prior to sending this letter, Congressman Wittman introduced the Stay on Schedule Resolution, which would cancel August recess until Congress passes all 12 appropriations bills. 

To read Congressman Wittman’s full letter to Speaker Pelosi, click here or scroll below. 

July 6, 2022

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi

Speaker 

United States House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Speaker Pelosi:

Today, I write to urge you to cancel August recess if the House of Representatives has not completed the work relating to the many critical issues facing the American people before the end of July. Currently, the House has yet to take up the twelve annual appropriation bills on the House floor. On top of that, our nation faces enormous challenges both at home and abroad: between soaring gas prices and inflation, the unprecedented border crisis, Russia’s continued barbaric invasion of Ukraine, and other pressing matters, Members of Congress have an incredible duty to work for the American people. These issues require a commitment to late nights, weekends, and remaining in Washington throughout August until the work is done. 

One of Congress’ most basic duties is to fully fund the government, yet with few legislative days remaining, lawmakers have found themselves unable to get the job done. Despite Congress’ failure to even consider the twelve annual appropriation bills on the house floor, Congress is set to adjourn for 6 weeks beginning in August. With so much work left to be done, it astounds me that Members of Congress feel justified in taking a month off. 

That’s why I have again introduced the Stay on Schedule Resolution, which would cancel August recess until Congress does its most basic job: passing all 12 appropriations bills. This provision would hold members to the highest standard so that if they don’t do their jobs, they are not able to take this 6-week long recess, which many use for a vacation. Congress has not done its job. Our constituents expect us to stay and complete the work of the American people.

I encourage you to cancel August recess, keep the House in session and Members of Congress in Washington until both the appropriations process and other key pieces of legislation relating to issues facing our nation are complete. 

Sincerely,

Robert J. Wittman

Member of Congress