Politics

House Speaker Mike Johnson cancels September votes ahead of midterm elections

The House will convene for just four legislative days before launching a six-week campaign recess ahead of November.

Updated Sep 3, 2026 · 20:20 UTC2 reports

The short version

House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled floor votes for the final two weeks of September, cutting pre-election session time to just four days.
Lawmakers will work from September 14 to 17 before departing for a six-week campaign recess ahead of the November 3 midterms.
The move makes it unlikely that additional major legislation will pass before Congress reconvenes for a post-election lame-duck session on November 9.

Speaker Mike Johnson canceled planned House votes for the final two weeks of September after earlier stating that Republicans would adhere to the calendar and work throughout the month.[ABC News · The Washington Post]
The schedule adjustment follows the passage of legislation funding the federal government through December 11.[ABC News]
The House is scheduled to return on September 14 for four days of legislative business before adjourning on September 17 for campaigning.[ABC News]
Lawmakers are set to return on November 9 for a five-week lame-duck session following the November 3 midterm elections.[ABC News]

It remains uncertain what specific remaining bills, if any, will be prioritized during the four scheduled floor days from September 14 to 17.[ABC News · The Washington Post]