By John Q. Hosedrinker JD Vance has completely checked out of his responsibilities as a U.S. Senator since becoming Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate. The fact that he has missed every single Senate vote during this critical period is not only concerning but also emblematic of a broader issue within our political system. I often wonder how it is even possible for someone in such a prominent position to neglect their duties to this extent. It feels almost as if he’s given up on the job altogether, prioritizing his political ambitions over the people he was elected to represent.
Vance’s absence from the Senate floor has been quantified; he has missed a staggering 81 votes in less than two years. To put that into context, this is more than the total missed by Ohio’s other senator, Sherrod Brown, over a span of 17 years. There’s a troubling disparity here that speaks volumes about Vance’s priorities and work ethic. While other senators juggle their responsibilities while campaigning, Vance seems unable or unwilling to do the same, effectively sidelining the very constituents who put him in office.
There’s an undeniable irony in this situation. A politician who has built his brand around being a decision-maker is now a no-show when it counts. It feels almost absurd to think that someone could run for a higher office while completely neglecting their current role. This behavior raises questions about accountability in Congress. If a member of the general public were to miss this level of work without any repercussions, they would likely find themselves out of a job. Yet Vance continues to collect his salary, benefits, and the power that comes with a Senate seat, all while taking a backseat role in governance.
Reflecting on his tenure, it’s difficult not to consider his lack of relevant experience before taking office. He had no substantial legislative background, and it appears this reality is catching up with him now that real responsibilities are on the table. This raises a critical question: how can voters trust someone who has not proven their capability to hold down a job, let alone a position of such significance in the government?
The absence of meaningful legislative work raises doubts not just about Vance but about the system that allows such negligence to go unchecked. Why do we tolerate a political environment where skipping votes is commonplace during campaigns? It’s infuriating to acknowledge that Vance’s actions align with a broader trend where politicians seem more concerned with their own trajectories than effective governance or service to their constituents.
It’s disheartening to think about the ramifications of these choices on the ground. For individuals who depend on government programs and legislative support, Vance’s absence could have very real consequences. Important votes on issues such as extending government funding or expanding the child tax credit were all neglected during his time campaigning. It seems like a blatant disregard for the people who cast their votes in hopes of having their voices heard, and it casts a shadow over the integrity of the political process.
As I see it, this situation illustrates a fundamental disconnect between elected officials and the citizens they are supposed to represent. Vance’s prioritization of his goals over his responsibilities exemplifies a troubling lack of commitment that further feeds skepticism about government operations. It’s imperative that we start holding our politicians accountable for their actions, or in Vance’s case, their inactions. As a society, we need to demand better performance standards for those who seek our votes and who claim to work for our interests. It’s no longer just about party lines; it’s about finding representatives who truly engage with their roles rather than simply collecting a paycheck while pursuing personal ambitions.