The House will be in session just three weeks between now and Nov. 16, Democratic leaders announced Monday.
The August recess now essentially in progress was extended one week, until Sept. 14, according to a schedule released by Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat. The week of Sept. 7 will be dedicated to committee work, but no votes are scheduled, and lawmakers are allowed to participate remotely.
Lawmakers will return in mid-September for three weeks of votes and will gavel out by Oct. 2, which Hoyer has set as the target adjournment date ahead of the November election.
Hoyer has scheduled lawmakers to return the week of Nov. 16 for the “lame-duck” session following the Nov. 3 election.
The sparse schedule reflects both the coronavirus pandemic and the need for lawmakers to campaign in their districts. The House typically adjourns in October if it is an election year.
The House has largely been shuttered during the coronavirus pandemic in order to shield lawmakers from frequently flying back and forth to their districts and from exposing lawmakers to contracting the virus in the Capitol.
The House may return if a deal is reached on a new round of coronavirus aid.
Hoyer told lawmakers in a memo on Monday that he would provide 24 hours notice if any votes are scheduled during the extended recess.
Democrats and White House officials may resume talks on a coronavirus aid package they were unable to agree on earlier this month. President Trump announced on Saturday that he is taking executive action to extend federal unemployment, insurance, a payroll tax cut, and a moratorium on rental evictions and student loan payments.
“I continue to urge Republicans to work with us to take immediate action to provide desperately needed relief during this coronavirus pandemic before we can begin the August district work period,” Hoyer said Monday. “The House continues to be on 24-hours notice to return for votes on COVID-related legislation.”
The shortened schedule will make it difficult for the two chambers to pass spending bills by a Sept. 30 deadline. It’s more likely Congress will agree on a short-term extension.
