Congressman Sherman and 21 Members: “Don’t Cancel Votes Sept. 29 – Oct. 2”

Washington DC – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) along with many colleagues wrote a letter to Speaker Boehner urging him to keep Congress open for legislative business from September 29th through October 2nd as was originally scheduled. The 2014 House schedule which was set by the House Speaker and Majority Leader included voting days on September 29th through October 2nd. Republican leadership subsequently announced that they would cancel those voting days.

"Congress neither needs nor deserves a vacation, especially at a time when the country is facing significant issues," said Congressman Sherman. "If we recess today, as speaker Boehner intends, it means that we would be in session for only eight days during the 104 day period between August 1st and November 11th. We should at least adhere to what is already a light legislative schedule."

Sherman's letter was cosigned by 21 additional members including Rep. Tim Bishop, Rep. Tony Cárdenas, Rep. Susan Davis, Rep. Elizabeth Esty, Rep. Sam Farr, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Rep. Pete Gallego, Rep. Janice Hahn, Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, Rep. Rush Holt, Rep. Mike Honda, Rep. Jared Huffman, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Rep. George Miller, Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod, Rep. Rick Nolan, Rep. Scott Peters, Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, Rep. David Scott, Rep. Mike Thompson, Rep. Juan Vargas.

Read the full letter below:
Don't Cancel Votes Sept. 29 – Oct. 2

Re: Don't Cancel Votes Sept 29 - Oct 2

Dear Mr. Speaker,

The current House of Representatives' schedule provides that the House will be in session thirteen days between August 1st and November 11th, a 104 day period. Although we are scheduled to be in session for those thirteen days, for many of the days we will only be in session a few hours.

There are widespread reports that you are considering cancelling votes from September 29th through October 2nd. This would mean that we would theoretically be in session for only nine days during a 104 day period.

We urge you to at least adhere to the already light legislative schedule which you and Mr. Cantor published early this year. Congress should be in session September 29th to October 2nd.

Very truly yours,

Brad Sherman