House Cancels September Votes for Campaigning

The House of Representatives has canceled the final two weeks of September votes, sending members home early to campaign ahead of the November midterm elections. The decision, announced Thursday, means the chamber will have only four days of legislative business scheduled between the end of this week and Election Day on November 3. This revised schedule marks a reversal for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had previously stated the House would adhere to its original calendar and work through September. Under the new plan, lawmakers will depart Washington on September 17 and will not return until after the elections. The House is scheduled to reconvene for a brief, one-week session starting the evening of Monday, September 14, following the Labor Day holiday. Republicans are framing the early departure as a necessary step for members to connect with constituents and campaign for reelection. "Many members want and need to be in their districts, working with their constituents, and running their campaigns," Speaker Johnson told reporters.