DEAR EDITOR:

In July, Republicans closed the House of Representatives earlier than planned to avoid a vote on releasing the Epstein files. Presently, Republicans are keeping the House closed again. Not because of the government shutdown, but because when the House reconvenes, there will be enough votes to force the release of the Epstein files.

Why are Republicans so desperate to conceal the Epstein files? Who are they protecting?

Moreover, by keeping the House closed, Republicans have abdicated their oversight responsibilities, effectively allowing Trump to rule as a king without any limits on his power. Maybe that’s what Republicans really want — authoritarianism instead of democracy.

In any case, as a result of all the House closures, our Rep. Mike Rulli has enjoyed dozens more paid vacation days this year than he should have.

Did he use any of those extra paid vacation days to hold a town hall meeting and talk directly with his constituents?

No, he didn’t. He had time to appear on Fox News, where he spewed the usual right-wing lies and misinformation, but he didn’t have time to meet openly with the people he represents.

It’s obvious that kissing King Donald’s derriere on national TV is a higher priority for Mike Rulli than working for our district.

SHAWN KOSIOR

Canfield