“Hey Congress, Do Your Damn Job — Not Just the Parts You Like”

Ah, Congress — the only workplace where you can cherry-pick your tasks, dodge your boss (that’s us, by the way), and still collect a fat paycheck with benefits we can only dream of. My dear congressional rep, bless his MAGA heart, seems to think his job description reads: “Represent only the people I like, on only the issues I care about, in only the committees I sit on — and the rest of you can go pound sand.”

Newsflash, Congressman: You don’t get to treat the House of Representatives like it’s your personal hobby club. You were hired to represent everyone in the district — not just the loudest donors, Fox News talking points, or Trump’s latest Truth Social meltdown. So grab a pen, warm up that voting finger, and maybe — just maybe — try doing the whole job for a change.

1. Represent all constituents, not just their political allies or subcommittee interests

Your congressman’s core job is to represent everyone in the district — regardless of party, income, or political views. That means:

• Listening to voter concerns
• Considering how national and local issues affect the district
• Advocating for district needs in Washington

They can’t dodge responsibility just because an issue falls outside their committee work. Their vote on the House floor, public statements, and advocacy matter on every national issue — not just the narrow topics they oversee in committee.

2. Provide constituent services

A congressman’s district office has staff who:

• Help with Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, passports, and federal agencies
• Track casework requests
• Listen to constituent concerns

Even if the issue isn’t about legislation (say, a problem with the IRS or VA), their office is supposed to help you navigate federal bureaucracy — not just refer you somewhere else.

3. Take positions on national issuesjk

When big national matters come up — immigration, healthcare, the economy, civil rights, national security — a congressman:

• Votes on legislation in the full House
• Speaks out publicly (or should) to explain their stance
• Listens to constituent input (even if they don’t agree with you)

Saying “I only work on my subcommittee topics” is like a doctor saying “I only look at your blood pressure, not the broken leg.” It’s dodging their constitutional role.

4. Show accountability

Congressmen are expected to:

• Hold town halls (virtual or in person)
• Meet with constituents or groups from the district
• Respond to letters, emails, and calls (even if it’s a form response)
• Explain their votes and position

If they ignore non-subcommittee issues, they’re abandoning their public accountability — and that’s fair game for criticism or pressure.

Bottom line:

Your congressman’s job is not limited to their subcommittee work. They are supposed to represent you on all matters before Congress, help with federal issues at home, and be accountable to the public. When they ignore you or hide behind committee assignments, they’re failing the broader duty they swore to uphold.

(And yes, Congresswomen too!)

Julie Bolejack, MBA