Paul Ryan’s absences from House votes not acceptable

Mount Pleasant, WI- In his first press conference upon Congress’ return from break, Speaker Paul Ryan condemned President Obama’s “destabilizing activity” in the Far East. He claimed North Korea’s nuclear testing was “a consequence of the administration’s failed policy.”

It is of note that as Ryan criticizes the president at every turn, he seems curiously absent from the position to which his constituents voted him. Apparently, Ryan would rather show up for other Republicans’ campaigns than do his job, not only for his constituents, but as the highest ranking representative in America.

Since November 3, 2015, Ryan voted only three times out of 31 key issues presented in the House.

The Speaker did not vote by proxy. He did not vote absentee. He just didn’t cast a vote.  Period.

Paul Ryan failed to show up for roll call to provide appropriations for veteran’s affairs, consider debate on the Zika Vector Control Act, or review provisions of the Financial Institution Consumer Protection Act.

“It’s not acceptable to be so focused on winning majorities and other partisan nonsense that the work of the legislature falls to second or third priority,” says Ryan Solen, Paul Ryan’s Democrat opponent in the general election. Solen states, “Speaker Ryan has placed so much emphasis on party before country that he has failed to complete the basic responsibilities of the office: being present to properly represent.

As the most visible member of the “cot club”—legislators who sleep in their offices—Paul Ryan states, “I can actually get more work done by sleeping on a cot in my office.”

If he sleeps in his office, why won’t he show up to vote?

Speaker Ryan’s record on drafting legislation is similarly insignificant. David Canon, Chairman of the University of Wisconsin-Madison political science department, noted that in 17 years, “(Paul Ryan) has actually proposed three — total, three — bills that have become law in his entire career dating back to 1999.” He holds the third most powerful job in the country. He aspired to the second most powerful position—that of Vice President—when he ran as Mitt Romney’s running mate in 2012. But, as evidenced by his shoddy voting record, he wants the job but not the actual work.

Ryan is not taking care of his congressional district. His refusal to debate Ryan Solen appears to be just one more instance of the Speaker refusing to show up for the job. One has to wonder what Ryan is doing to earn the salary for which taxpayers’ pay him. Apparently, the House functions best without Ryan’s presence.

Perhaps Wisconsin would, too.

About Ryan Solen

Ryan Solen is an Army veteran of the war in Iraq and is seeking to represent Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District. He is a Digital Forensic Specialist and Computer Security Analyst. He is a married father of four and enjoys reading, writing, doing karate with his family, and relieves stress with his vintage Lego collection.

He is the Wisconsin Democratic Party’s Nominee to run for the U.S. House of Representatives to replace Paul Ryan. For more information, please visit www.solenforcongress.com.

Committee to Elect Ryan Solen for Congress

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.