I am often asked the questions, “Why does Congress get the whole month of August off?” or “What does Congress do leading up to August?” Well, I will explain the real meaning behind being out of session in August.
The truth is August is an opportunity for Members of Congress to spend several consecutive weeks working back home in our districts. Today, we refer to this month as a “district work period.” When modern-day ventilation was unavailable, Congress would recess from the heat. If you have ever traveled to Washington, D.C. in August, then you can relate. Now that we have technology to make D.C.’s weather bearable, “August Recess” transformed into a month that simply breaks up our legislative business and allots us time to spend in our districts so we can hear from you – our bosses. Throughout the rest of the year we are typically allotted one to two weeks home between several weeks in Washington, D.C., so a longer period of time in our district allows for more constituent meetings, site visits, and office hours to keep our to-do lists fresh as we head back to the nation’s capital come September.
That being said, leading up to August, we have a very heavy D.C. legislative agenda packed with business to complete before we head home. Let’s take a look at some of the things House Republicans have accomplished in these past weeks to prepare for August and some of the things I have been working on:
- Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act (H.R. 1734): The House passed another bill to limit federal overregulation. This legislation specifically deals with the management and disposal of coal ash. The House improves upon an EPA ruling and preserves states’ rights while ensuring safe, environmentally sound coal ash management.
- Reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Current TANF work requirements can discourage states from engaging with those individuals with the least experience or education because they need greater help to prepare for employment. This needs to change, so I introduced a bill – Preparing More Welfare Recipients for Work Act (H.R.2991) – that would encourage states to engage more recipients in activities that lead to self-sufficiency, as well as simplify the current work participation requirement each state must meet.
- Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act (H.R. 3009): The House passed legislation that would prohibit the award of various federal funds and grants to states and localities with “sanctuary” policies in effect. Our immigration system is broken. Before we can enact reforms we need to make sure our current laws are being enforced and our border is secure.
- Veterans Entrepreneurship Act (H.R. 2499): The House passed legislation that would make it easier for veterans to receive the capital needed to start their own business by requiring the Small Business Administration to eliminate up-front fees for veterans and their spouses. As a former small business owner, I understand the burdens that arise in the preliminary stage of starting a business. Veterans risk their lives for our country; they deserve the opportunity to make it a better place when they return. House Republicans were “taking care of small business” this year.
I hope to see many of you out and about in the 16th District over the next several weeks and that everyone is having a safe and enjoyable summer.
To contact me, I invite you to visit my website at renacci.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-3876, Wadsworth office: (330) 334-0040, or Parma office: (440) 882-6779. I also invite you to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to get updates on my work in Washington and back home in the 16th District of Ohio.
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All official press releases from Former Rep. Jim Renacci (R-OH)
