Skip to content
RollCall logo

Video

Why do members of Congress have to gavel in and gavel out during recess?

Roll Call explains the pro forma session

Unless the House and Senate agree on an adjournment resolution, both chambers must gavel in twice-weekly for pro forma sessions during August Recess. (Nathan Ouellette/CQ Roll Call)
Unless the House and Senate agree on an adjournment resolution, both chambers must gavel in twice-weekly for pro forma sessions during August Recess. (Nathan Ouellette/CQ Roll Call)
By Nathan Ouellette
Posted August 27, 2019 at 5:00am

For lawmakers, August recess is a time to meet with constituents and public officials, and spend time with their families. Unless, of course, they have to come back to Washington to preside over twice-weekly pro forma sessions.

So, why do members have to come back to Washington to turn the chamber lights on and off? Watch as CQ Roll Call’s senior Senate reporter, Niels Lesniewski, explains.

[jwp-video n=”1″]

Recent Stories

Constellation's Clinton Clean Energy Center’s single nuclear reactor power plant is seen on July 25, 2025 in Clinton, Ill. Meta recently signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Constellation for the output from the plant.

DOE using its own land to help pair AI centers, nuclear reactors

Chef Fred Johnson adds icing around the base of the sugary dome on top of this year’s Capitol gingerbread model.

This week: Congress has much to do before holiday recess

Donald Trump is sworn in as president by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. in the Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 20 as first lady Melania Trump looks on.

Trump to cap unprecedented year that skirted Congress, tested court system

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said other Republicans share his reservations about the president's approach to Russia.

Bacon calls Trump ‘the new Chamberlain’ over Russia policy

Gene Simmons’ testimony at the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearing on Tuesday highlights this week’s Congressional Hits and Misses.

Rock and Roll Call all nite (and political party every day) — Congressional Hits and Misses

Rep. Henry Cuellar, seen here in May, is now one step closer to regaining his senior subcommittee post.

Cuellar wins a key nod to regain a top House Appropriations post