Wonder why there are a lower number of Washington datelines in newspapers? Congress has been quiet, mostly out of town. But some action resumes today with a call of the House at 6:30 p.m., Eastern, notes Grumpy Editor.
But House members are only scheduled for six days in session this month while the Senate convenes next Monday.
On the way to fewer sessions this year despite pressing matters, don’t look for any solid month of action in the House. February, the shortest month on the 2012 calendar (despite being Leap Year), will see the House active the most days: 14. Among the leanest months, the House is scheduled to meet only eight days in April, three in August and five in October.
The Senate, meanwhile, schedules a number of “state work periods” that allows members more time to spend with constituents in their home states --- and for “fact finding” trips. For the House, time spent in home districts is called “constituent work week.”
Despite the many days off, Washington press corps’ reports will imply that just about every day --- even during holiday periods --- carries a full slate of pursuits by lawmakers busy in the nation’s capital.
( House and Senate calendars, below.)
2012 Senate schedule, 112th Congress, 2nd session
Jan. 23 - Senate convenes
Non-legislative days
Feb. 20 – 24, state work period
April 2 – 13, state work period
April 30 – May 4, state work period
May 28 – June 1, state work period (Memorial Day, May 28)
July 2 – 6, state work period (Independence Day, July 4)
Aug. 6 – Sept. 7, state work period (Labor Day, Sept. 3)
Oct. 8 - Columbus Day federal holiday
Nov. 12 - Veterans Day federal holiday
Adjournment date to be determined
2012 House schedule, 112th Congress, 2nd session
Legislative days
Jan. 17, 18, 23-25, 31
Feb. 1-3, 6-9, 14–17, 27–29
March 1, 5-8, 19-22, 26-29
April 16-19, 24-27
May 7-10, 15-18, 30, 31
June 1, 5-8, 18-21, 26-29
July 9-12, 17-20, 23-26, 31
Aug. 1-3
Sept. 10-14, 19-21
Oct. 1-5
Nov. 13-16, 27-30
Dec. 3-6, 11-14
Schedules are subject to change.
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