Wisconsin Freshman Congressman Says He’s On A Reluctant Recess

A Wisconsin freshman congressman has introduced a bill that would cut back on recesses for Congress.

U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay, said lawmakers should stay in session until a budget is passed.

Gallagher told reporters that he has been disappointed during his first 100 days on the job with what he called Congress’ “lack of urgency” on issues like the tax structure, healthcare and the national debt.

Gallagher urged Congress not to go on a two-week spring recess. Instead, he said the body should have stayed on the job.

His proposed “do your job bill” would prevent Congress from going into recess unless it fully funds government.

“So we find ourselves continually in this process of either funding through an omnibus or continuing resolution. There’s no certainty,” Gallagher said.

Our troops continue to serve…but we are leaving. When our servicemen and women are at war, #Congress shouldn’t take an unearned recess.

— Rep. Mike Gallagher (@RepGallagher) April 7, 2017

Gallagher is also backing legislation that would limit Congressmen to six terms, or 12 years. He also said senators should be limited to two terms, also 12 years.

However his law would only apply to future lawmakers.

Gallagher said his predecessor, Reid Ribble, told him not to limit himself.

“He advised me not to do it because it undermines your ability to get anything done in Congress,” he said. “So I’m not going to unilaterally disarm because that means I’ll have less of a chance to actually impose this on all of Congress and me doing it by myself won’t really have an impact.”

Gallagher has no public listening sessions scheduled during the recess. Instead, he says he will meet with local businesses and employees.