Pelosi Dear Colleague: Do-Nothing Republican Congress Adjourns Without Passing Budget, Addressing Three Major Public Health Crises

March 24, 2016

Dear Democratic Colleague,

Republicans have recessed the House for two weeks – once again leaving the critical business of the American people unfinished and ignored.

Unless Congress approves emergency resources soon, the man-made disaster of the Flint water crisis, the accelerating tragedy of opioid addiction, and the growing danger the Zika virus poses to expectant mothers will do irreversible damage to thousands of Americans.

Time is of the essence. Yet this Republican Congress has wasted week after week on their dead-end special interest agenda, while the priorities of hard-working Americans and desperate families receive nothing but indifference and inaction.

Last week, the House Democratic Leadership wrote to Speaker Ryan, insisting that the House stay in session to take action on an emergency supplemental appropriations bill to address the crises threatening the lives and the futures of so many American families.

Republicans have not even brought a budget to the floor for a vote. The Republican Leadership has proposed the most destructive ‘Road to Ruin' budget plan in history, and it still isn't brutal enough to win the support of the radical forces that drive the Republican Conference.

Democrats will continue to demand action and accountability from the Do-Nothing Republican Congress on the budget and on the public health threats before our nation.

We will continue to draw a strong contrast between the toxic dysfunction of House Republicans and the Democrats' call to create good-paying jobs, grow Americans' paychecks, and address the challenges facing hard-working families.

Together, we will continue to press for progress for the American people.

Thank you for your leadership and friendship,