The House of Representatives took all of October off. In fact, the GOP-led chamber had only worked 14 days from July 25 to Nov. 12, when it reconvened to approve a bill ending the longest government shutdown in American history.

As Congress sat idle, hardworking Americans faced rising health care costs, farmers battled dangerous market instability, and millions may lose necessary food assistance.

It’s time for Congress to show up for the people it serves — to lower costs, raise wages and protect the freedom to make choices about our own lives. As the communications and policy director for the Rural Democracy Initiative, I worked with 40 local, state and national organizations — including the Wisconsin Farmers Union, the Northwoods' Progress North and the Wisconsin Public Education Networ

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