US Trends

when is congress back in session

Congress is currently in session for the 119th Congress’s second session , which began on January 5, 2026 and runs through the end of the calendar year. Below is a quick snapshot of the current layout so you can see when lawmakers “come back” from breaks.

Current session overview

  • The 119th Congress, 2nd session convened Monday, January 5, 2026 for the House of Representatives and the Senate.
  • Through the first quarter, Congress typically follows a pattern of two‑week work blocks centered on Washington‑DC “floor weeks,” with pauses around federal holidays and some recesses later in the spring.

When Congress comes back after short breaks (examples for February–March

Public 2026 calendars show short recesses within the work‑week pattern; exact return dates can shift slightly as leadership adjusts the floor calendar.

Period / break| When it returns (approx.)| Notes
---|---|---
Mid‑February recess (House/Senate)| Around February 17–18, 2026| Often tied to the Presidents’ Day holiday period; both chambers usually return the workday after the federal holiday. 59
Late‑February / early‑March work block| On‑and‑off through March| March tends to be mostly in‑session, with limited short breaks. 59
Spring recess around late March / early April| Ends around early April 2026| More significant break; both chambers return shortly after Easter‑week recess (calendar‑specific). 59

How to check the exact “when is Congress back” day

Because schedules can change slightly, the most accurate sources for precise “back‑in‑session” dates are:

  • House Majority Leader website (2026 House calendar).
  • Senate legislative calendar PDF (Tentative Schedule for 119th Congress, 2nd session).
  • Combined “Congress in session” calendars from public‑policy trackers that color‑code days when either chamber is in session vs. recess.

If you tell me the specific recess or week you’re asking about (e.g., “after Presidents’ Day” or “when do they come back in March”), I can give you the closest exact weekday Congress is scheduled to resume.