Letter to the editor: Congress should work for the people, not flee from accountability

At a time when trust in government is hanging by a thread, the American people deserve leaders who show up, do the work and tell the truth. What they don’t deserve is a Congress that cuts and runs.

Last week, House Republicans refused to even hold a vote on releasing the Epstein files. These are records that could expose a vast network of abuse and cover-up. Instead, they shut down the House floor, canceled votes and took an extended vacation.

While working families struggle with rising costs, housing instability and global unrest, their elected representatives bailed and left critical information buried.

Let’s be clear: the Epstein case isn’t gossip. It involves sex trafficking, abuse of minors and powerful people who may have enabled or participated in those crimes. Releasing the files is about justice. Survivors deserve answers. The public deserves the truth.

Donald Trump once promised to release the files. He hasn’t. So the question is: Why is he breaking that promise? And why are so many Republicans helping him do it?

Congress is not a summer job. It is a public trust. When elected officials avoid hard questions and walk away from accountability, they are not just failing their constituents. They are failing democracy.

If House Republicans believe in the rule of law, they should prove it. Get back to Washington. Hold the vote. Let the truth come out.

Michelle Milan McFall

Murrysville

The writer is chairwoman of the Westmoreland County Democratic Party.