Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement:

“The House of Representatives is adjourning today for a five week recess.

“Not because our work is complete. Far from it — the House has passed only two of the 12 annual appropriations bills required to prevent the federal government from shutting down. We’ve done nothing to help the people of Western North Caroline still slowly recovering and rebuilding after Hurricane Helene. And we haven’t even finished the reauthorization of the Weather Act, bipartisan legislation that I’ve been working on to improve forecasting and prevent the kind of devastation we’ve witnessed in recent weeks in North Carolina and Texas.

“Instead, Speaker Johnson and the Republican leadership are sending us home. Why? Because they are terrified of the growing furor over President Trump’s refusal to release the Epstein files. In embarrassment and desperation, they are running for the exits while the American people watch in disbelief. It’s irresponsible and shameful. This isn’t leadership—it’s cowardice— and our country deserves better.”