Congress Decides to Spend Less Time in Washington Next Year

Yesterday, both the House and Senate released their proposed 2016 work calendars that show when the Chambers will be in session, when recesses will be called, and when “district work periods” will be scheduled.  2016 is shaping up to have a lighter workload in terms of members spending time on the Hill than in recent years.

In calendar year 2015, the Senate expects to be in session for a total of 169 days.  The 2016 calendar only projects 149 in-session days for the Senate.  The House has planned 132 days in session for 2015, but the 2016 schedule calls for members to be in session for only 111 days.  The reason for the lighter schedules relates to the November 2016 elections.  Both Chambers want to have extra time in July to attend the National Conventions (Republicans, July 18-21 and Democrats, July 25-28) and to spend more “at home” time for their own reelection efforts.