The U.S. House of Representatives will adjourn a day earlier than originally planned this week, effectively beginning the members’ extended recess ahead of the November midterm elections. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) announced Wednesday that votes scheduled for Thursday would be canceled, allowing lawmakers to return to their districts for campaigning after a brief legislative session that began at the end of August and lasted just seven days.

Johnson described the decision as a natural conclusion to the House’s workload, stating, “The House has done its work. It’s time for our members to go home to their districts and make their case to the American people.” The next full House session is not set to occur until after the November 8 elections, with members scheduled to reconvene November 9 for a lame-duck session.

The early recess means that key legislative efforts, including an impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) on Tuesday, will likely be deferred until after the elections. Johnson dismissed the impeachment initiative as a “stunt,” asserting that Hegseth “has done an extraordinary job” and cautioning against what he described as political gamesmanship amid ongoing international conflicts. Massie expressed frustration on social media, suggesting the early adjournment was designed to avoid a vote on the impeachment measure and make it more difficult to advance related efforts.

House Democrats strongly criticized the decision to cut the session short. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) called the move an abdication of responsibility, accusing Republicans of running out of time “because they are terrified of taking votes that the American people are demanding.” Democrats have pushed for the House to remain in session to address a range of issues, including legislation aimed at regulating artificial intelligence safety. Over 100 Democratic members signed a letter earlier Wednesday urging the Speaker to cancel the recess in order to vote on AI safeguards, highlighting concerns about the rapid pace of AI development.

While the House scales back its schedule, the Senate remains in session for the next two weeks before its own recess. Johnson left open the possibility of recalling House members if circumstances require, though no specific plans have been announced.

The early departure comes amid broader challenges facing the House, including attendance issues and a lack of urgent, must-pass legislation in the weeks ahead of the midterms. Control of the House is widely projected to shift toward Democrats, while the Senate is considered highly competitive heading into the November elections.