House leaders announced Thursday that lawmakers are not expected to vote during the final two weeks of September, sending members back to their districts ahead of the midterm elections with several major legislative issues unresolved.
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The House had originally been scheduled to meet during the first and final two weeks of September. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer’s office said votes are now not expected during the weeks of Sept. 21 and Sept. 28, although lawmakers could be recalled with at least 48 hours’ notice if the Senate acts on pending legislation.
The decision comes shortly after the national debt surpassed $40 trillion and as Congress remains divided over a $95 billion reconciliation package. Lawmakers also have not resolved concerns surrounding government use of automated surveillance technology.
House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the shortened schedule, saying the chamber has already passed hundreds of bills awaiting Senate action and acknowledging that lawmakers want time at home before November’s elections.
“Of course we’re in the middle of a critical midterm election,” Johnson said. “Many of them want and need to be in their districts working with their constituents and running their campaigns.”
Johnson said members could be summoned back to Washington if the Senate advances major legislation.
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The schedule change comes as lawmakers publicly express alarm over the federal debt surpassing $40 trillion. Congress has continued approving legislation adding substantially to projected deficits, including the One Big, Beautiful Bill.
Questions over government surveillance also remain unresolved.
Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., introduced the Protection Against Mass Surveillance Act in July, which would prohibit federal agencies from purchasing or operating Flock cameras and other automated systems used to identify, track or record individuals.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., separately introduced legislation that would withhold federal funding from local governments and police departments using Flock cameras and automated license plate readers. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., has said she plans to introduce legislation banning the cameras.
Republicans also remain divided over the $95 billion reconciliation package, with some Senate Republicans expressing reservations about the House version.
The Senate is not scheduled to return from its August recess until Sept. 14, leaving lawmakers with a narrow window to resolve those disputes.
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