Trying my first Twitter “thread” to constructively vent – as a member of Congress who appreciates the superlative work our Democratic leadership is doing, but is frustrated at having Congress on a prolonged recess during this crisis.

First, let’s be clear: shelter-in-place is critical. It’s making a difference in places that take it seriously and we must do it in every county of every state. It’s the only way to flatten the curve, defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and reopen the economy.

Let’s also be clear member of Congress are working hard while on recess & under shelter-in-place orders. Constituent casework is off the charts. Members are scrambling to stay informed/engaged. But email, texts & endless conference calls are a poor substitute for being in session

Meanwhile, Pres. Trump is all too engaged - in bad ways. His epic bungling of our national COVID-19 response is costing thousands of lives & untold economic damage.

He thumbs his nose at oversight & uses the crisis as cover to carry out revenge-firings, erode the rule of law, roll back environmental protections, and deliver favors to Big Oil, among other outrages that demand congressional attention.

If ever there was an “essential” function that must continue during this pandemic it’s the work of the U.S. Congress – especially now, with this President and an administration marred by incompetence, sycophancy, nepotism and corruption.

As good as Dem leadership is, Congress can't function well on conference calls in our pajamas. We can’t do oversight or deliberatively develop legislation, much less the visionary economic package we'll soon need. We can barely muster quorums to pass bills by unanimous consent.

I agree w/ a growing number of colleagues calling for creative ways to reconvene Congress. We could do it in Washington w/ extreme protective measures to prevent spread of COVID-19 & protect members/staff. We could amend House rules to allow remote participation. Or both.

I’ll do my best w/ current workarounds. But each day shows the cost of not having a fully engaged, well-functioning legislative branch. COVID-19 peak is weeks away, economic fallout just starting, Trump's mismanagement/abuses ongoing. We need Congress operating at full speed.