History of Congress Coming Back to Session During Breaks
This is from the House Historian's Office.
1. 2005, for Katrina emergency supplemental2. 1991, for numerous appropriations and other bills3. 1980
Traditionally, there have been periods of time where Congress adjourned throughout the month of August as far back as the second session of the First Congress in 1790. The first period of time that Congress adjourned in the month of August was 12 August 1790 until the beginning of the third session of the First Congress on 6 December 1790.
The Speaker of the House works with House Leadership on deciding the calendar for the Congressional Year. In the 19th Century, Congress adjourned in June or July and would not sit in August, although on a few occasions it did meet in August. One reason for this late summer recess was the extreme heat and humidity. After 1911, the House frequently met throughout the summer, including in August, adjourning in the fall. During World War II, Congress was in almost continual session, a practice that continued on and off into the 1960s.
In 1970, Congress formalized an "August Recess." In section 132(a) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 provides as follows:Unless otherwise provided by the Congress, the two Houses shall-(1) adjourn sine die not later than July 31 of each year; or (2) in the case of an odd-numbered year, provide, not later than July 31 of such year, by concurrent resolution adopted in each House by roll call vote, for the adjournment of the two Houses from that Friday in August which occurs at least thirty days before the first Monday in September (Labor Day) of such year to the second day after Labor Day.(b) This section shall not be applicable in any year if on July 31 of such year a state of war exists pursuant to a declaration of war by the Congress.
Since then, the longest recess in House history was in the 108th Congress, 2nd Session from 23 July 2004- 6 September 2004 for a total of 46 days.
1. 2005
One of the more recent instances of the House being called back occurred on 2 September 2005, four days prior to when the House was scheduled to meet again....
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1. 2005, for Katrina emergency supplemental2. 1991, for numerous appropriations and other bills3. 1980
Traditionally, there have been periods of time where Congress adjourned throughout the month of August as far back as the second session of the First Congress in 1790. The first period of time that Congress adjourned in the month of August was 12 August 1790 until the beginning of the third session of the First Congress on 6 December 1790.
The Speaker of the House works with House Leadership on deciding the calendar for the Congressional Year. In the 19th Century, Congress adjourned in June or July and would not sit in August, although on a few occasions it did meet in August. One reason for this late summer recess was the extreme heat and humidity. After 1911, the House frequently met throughout the summer, including in August, adjourning in the fall. During World War II, Congress was in almost continual session, a practice that continued on and off into the 1960s.
In 1970, Congress formalized an "August Recess." In section 132(a) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 provides as follows:Unless otherwise provided by the Congress, the two Houses shall-(1) adjourn sine die not later than July 31 of each year; or (2) in the case of an odd-numbered year, provide, not later than July 31 of such year, by concurrent resolution adopted in each House by roll call vote, for the adjournment of the two Houses from that Friday in August which occurs at least thirty days before the first Monday in September (Labor Day) of such year to the second day after Labor Day.(b) This section shall not be applicable in any year if on July 31 of such year a state of war exists pursuant to a declaration of war by the Congress.
Since then, the longest recess in House history was in the 108th Congress, 2nd Session from 23 July 2004- 6 September 2004 for a total of 46 days.
1. 2005
One of the more recent instances of the House being called back occurred on 2 September 2005, four days prior to when the House was scheduled to meet again....