At a time of crisis in the Middle East, Congress has gone “AWOL,” Rep. John Larson said Monday.
“Congress has been off for more than six weeks,” the Connecticut Democrat said on MSNBC. “Some have said, and I can’t disagree with them, that we’re AWOL,” Politico reports.
Congress began its recess on Aug. 1 and reconvenes on Sept. 8, but as news of threats in Iraq and Syria mount, Larson said lawmakers “cannot wait till next week” to join the discussions on what should be done in regard to foreign policy.
“We ought to be back there making sure that we’re meeting as a committee of the whole and debating and defining this issue clearly,” Larson said.
Larson’s interview came on the Labor Day holiday, as members of the House and Senate enjoyed their last week of vacation.
“Today is Labor Day, where we celebrate work and we celebrate the efforts of those who labor throughout the year,” Larson said. “Congress is not at work.”
He added, “I agree with the premise that these are issues that have to be debated and the time is now, and Congress has a responsibility and an obligation to the American people.”
