The Senate has spent 32 more weekdays in session than the House so far this year, totaling 104 weekdays compared to the House's 72, according to an analysis of congressional calendars by Ballotpedia and Axios. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) have faced criticism from members of both parties regarding the amount of time off. The Senate left town late Wednesday, two weeks after the House, and both chambers will be out of session until after the November 3 midterms. Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) remarked on the difference in session days, suggesting he left the House too soon.
As of September 14, the Senate has spent nearly 664 hours in session, while the House has spent about 378 hours. The Senate is projected to finish the year with approximately 126 weekdays in session, compared to 92 for the House. Some of the House's time off was unplanned, as Speaker Johnson has sent members home early when facing difficulties on the floor. This has led to backlash, with Representative Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) criticizing the cancellations of voting days.
Johnson has defended the House's productivity, stating that it has been the second most productive in terms of legislation since 1789, with over 900 pieces of legislation passed, although many of these are resolutions that cannot become law. The Washington Post reported that as of August 31, the House had passed 732 bills capable of becoming law. The House passed more measures than the Senate (380 to 269), but the Senate held more votes (231 to 216) during the same period. The Senate also spends considerable time confirming nominees, which is not within the House's responsibilities.