Congress Goes on Recess for Presidents’ Day After Avoiding Gov’t Shutdown

What’s happening in Congress?

• Lawmakers will be on recess this week for Presidents’ Day after the Senate voted last Thursday to pass a bill to fund the government for three weeks through March 11th and prevent a government shutdown from beginning over the weekend. 
• When Congress returns, negotiating a bipartisan appropriations package that covers the rest of fiscal year 2022 will be a priority, although it’s possible lawmakers may have to resort to yet another stopgap continuing resolution to stave off a shutdown. 
• Lawmakers in both chambers are expected to return on Monday, February 28th, and President Joe Biden is scheduled to deliver a state of the union address to a joint session on March 1st.

SENATE SCHEDULE

• The Senate is set to return from recess on Monday, February 28th. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) indicated that the chamber is expected to take up a bipartisan postal reform bill when it returns. 
• It may also take a procedural vote on an abortion rights bill that House Democrats passed, although that’s unlikely to meet the 60 vote threshold needed to overcome the legislative filibuster. 
• No Senate committee hearings are scheduled this week.

HOUSE SCHEDULE 

• The House is set to return for its first floor work in two weeks on Monday, February 28th. 
• Lawmakers are expected to consider legislation expanding healthcare coverage for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their service.
• No House committee hearings are scheduled this week.

Schedule subject to change. All times Eastern.

HOUSE

• No votes are expected.
• The House is scheduled to return for floor business on Monday, February, 28th.

SENATE

• No votes are expected. 
• The Senate is scheduled to return for floor business on Monday, February 28th.

Tell your reps how to vote on this week's bills and share your thoughts below!

— Eric Revell