There are two valid reasons for Congress to leave Washington for vacation in August: D.C. heat and humidity that time of year, and to visit with the voters to sample their opinion.

Believe me, the first reason is historical but less valid today. The second reason is even less valid in this modern age of communication.

There is no reason that Rep. Fred Upton and senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters must return to Michigan from July 31 to Sept. 4 to reconnect with their constituents.  I’m sure their staffs in Michigan and Washington get feedback on today’s issues every day.

There is a third, and probably the real reason to recess for a month: to take a vacation.

That is deserved if Congress had completed significant work. But this Congress has accomplished very little, faces deadlines on Sept. 30 for the 2018 budget and must raise the debt ceiling probably before the end of this fiscal year.

Additionally, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) needs correcting as soon as possible. There is plenty of other legislative work to finish.

So read your e-mail from Michigan, representatives and senators, and stay in session through August.

Oh yes, turn up your air-conditioning in your home, car, and your office. You have a lot of work to accomplish.

Michael Waldron

Niles