The House of Representatives has canceled votes for the final two weeks of September, leaving only four legislative days before the Nov. 3 midterm elections. This decision represents a reversal of Speaker Mike Johnson's earlier statements this week, when he indicated that no scheduled legislative business would be canceled.
Following a voting session Friday morning, lawmakers are set to depart for a district work period that coincides with the Labor Day holiday and the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas. The House is scheduled to reconvene on September 14 for a brief, four-day session before adjourning again for six weeks of campaigning leading up to the midterm elections.
This abbreviated schedule is not uncommon in election years. However, it contrasts with Johnson's remarks on Tuesday, when he addressed predictions of a schedule change. "Republicans are here to work," Johnson told reporters. "We have a schedule, a calendar that's been out for a year. We are abiding by that calendar. We are going to work all the way through September and every day that's on the calendar, so long as people like him don't stop the progress."
Earlier this week, the House passed government funding legislation through December 11, a key legislative priority for the speaker ahead of the election. Lawmakers are expected to return for a lame-duck session on November 9, with an additional five weeks of legislative business scheduled before the end of the 119th Congress.