Luján: House Republicans Turn Out the Lights on the American People

Statement

Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico's Third District released the following statement today on the House Republican leadership's decision to recess the House until November 13.

"With millions of Americans still looking for work and with the country rapidly approaching a fiscal cliff, House Republicans have packed up, turned out the lights on the American people, and headed home until after the November election. This is the earliest Congress has adjourned before an election in more than 50 years. This dubious distinction is on top of the "Do Nothing' Congress' record for being the least productive Congress in a generation. Between August 3 and November 13, the House of Representatives will have been in session to vote for a total of only eight days.

"The list of unfinished business that the Republican majority leaves behind severely impacts the people of New Mexico who are looking to their elected leaders to address the nation's challenges. Farmers and ranchers in New Mexico are suffering from the impact of a severe drought, yet the House Republicans are kicking the can down the road on the Farm Bill. They are refusing to bring up a bipartisan Violence Against Women Reauthorization that includes protections for Native Americans. They have failed to take action on a Senate-passed postal reform bill at a time when rural post offices are seeing their hours cut. And House Republicans are refusing to take steps to ensure that tax cuts for working families do not expire at the end of the year.

"The House has a responsibility to the American people to stay in session and complete this important work. I am disappointed that House Republicans have thrown in the towel and put our country's business on hold for the next seven weeks. I encourage the Republican leadership to reconsider their decision, bring the House back into session, and get to work."

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