The House of Representatives has returned to Washington after a break that lasted since July 23. However, they will be back for less than a week before heading out again for Labor Day, and the Senate won’t be back until Monday, September 14.
This is not like the first day of school. The House members are coming into the Capitol this week only to leave shortly afterwards, reminiscent of the third and final preseason game in the NFL.
Just like fans show up en masse for the first NFL preseason game, it tends to be a lively and warm evening in August. The excitement is palpable as people get a first glimpse of the new roster, enjoy tailgating, and watch first-string players take the field for a bit. But by the third game, interest wanes significantly. Roster decisions are nearly finalized, and even the most dedicated fans might only stick around for part of it.
Right now, Congress seems to be in a similar phase. Most business for the year is done, and the anticipated GOP “Reconciliation 3.0” is likely off the table. The usual worries about a potential government shutdown have been eased after the Senate passed a bipartisan bill to fund the government through December 11, which the House is set to vote on Tuesday.
At this point, many members of Congress are just awaiting the real action to kick off after the midterm elections in November. They seem keen to get out of Washington and back to their campaigns, which might explain why attendance could fluctuate in the coming days.
On Monday night, 384 members were present for a straightforward vote, while another vote had 388 attendees. However, that number could drop when the House reconvenes in mid-September, especially among those who either lost their primaries or are retiring. It’s rumored that some members from both categories have even contemplated resigning early.
What kind of impact could that have on the already slim Republican majority?
Now, will the House stick around this week, or will they head home only to come back later?
I asked House Speaker Mike Johnson, “Are we going to be here the entire period?” He responded somewhat evasively, mentioning that they’re scheduled to return in a couple of weeks.
This schedule was arranged last December, following an intense government shutdown. It’s surprising, though, how smoothly funding is being managed this time.
What’s on the agenda while they are back? The Republicans intend to present a resolution that will call on Democrats to clarify their position on socialism versus democracy. Essentially, they want Democrats to stake their claim on their policies.
As Rep. Jeff Crank from Colorado mentioned, “They want to abolish things like the U.S. Supreme Court.” This approach aims to pressure Democrats into making definitive statements about their ideology, as Republicans feel the American people are rejecting those progressive ideas.
It’s a strategic maneuver, described as a “gotcha” vote, designed to place Democrats in a difficult position. If they vote against it, Republicans plan to highlight that in their campaign ads come fall.
Some Democrats might indeed reject any affiliation with socialism, and this vote could provide them with an opportunity to express their opposition to leftist tendencies within their party. Yet, the resolution includes the controversial SAVE America Act, which establishes requirements for proof of citizenship for voting. Most Democrats see this as a problematic inclusion. Those who oppose it may still have the GOP hitting back with the “gotcha” narrative.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries referred to the resolution’s emphasis on the SAVE America Act, dubbing it “the ‘suppress the vote act’.” He raised concerns about the intention behind the resolution and how it aims to manipulate election dynamics.
Moreover, the House might address a censure resolution for Rep. Chuck Edwards from North Carolina, who has admitted to inappropriate behavior, as well as potentially expelling Rep. Cory Mills from Florida, who is under investigation for financial misconduct. Then there’s Rep. Max Miller from Ohio, who faces serious accusations of abuse. Republicans have encouraged him to withdraw from his reelection campaign, but he has stood firm in denying the allegations.
Johnson expressed that he supports Miller’s bid for reelection and believes that the Ethics Committee’s inquiry should run its course before any significant action is taken regarding him.
Still, there’s a possibility that some Republicans and Democrats together might try to put together a resolution to censure Mills or push for further consequences—something Johnson and the GOP leadership wish to avoid. They’d prefer to get everyone out of D.C. swiftly.
It’s uncertain what issues the Senate will tackle upon its return, but for House Republicans, the focus appears to be on maintaining their narrow majority come November. Therefore, taking a recess until after the elections seems to be a prudent strategy.
Don’t be shocked if the House decides to leave Washington for the rest of the election cycle in the coming days. And, honestly, it doesn’t seem that far-fetched.
