Following the departure of the House of Representatives yesterday evening, the Senate also left Washington last night for a 7-week recess.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid's office released the following statement:
“The American people expect their elected officials to try to solve problems. At the very least, the American people demand their senators to at least show up to work on a regular basis. But Senate Republicans have done neither. Instead, they are setting dubious records for the fewest working days and the fewest judges confirmed. Republicans have denigrated this institution with their obstruction. I hope they will consider the consequences of their inaction over this seven-week vacation.”
We knew this would be an exceptionally long congressional recess, but I did not know it would be the longest recess in most of our lifetimes.
The Senate is not scheduled to vote on any piece of legislation until September 6th at the earliest. As you know, our Republican-controlled Congress has not passed a single appropriations bill and will have to find a way to fund the federal government beyond the end of the fiscal year on October 1st.
When Congress returns to session in September, we're going to be talking about the potential for another government shutdown.
The Senate is only scheduled to be in session for a total of 4 days between October 1st and the November election.