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Understanding Congress

The Congressional Calendar

Sessions, recesses, and why some weeks are busy and others go quiet.

2 min read

Congress does not work at a steady pace. The action clusters in session weeks and slows almost to nothing during recess. Lex will show you the rhythm.

The congressional calendar Session weeks are full of activity, recess weeks are quiet, and points follow the schedule, with Lex. In session Session weeks: busy Recess Recess weeks: quiet Session Recess Points follow the schedule
Busy in session, quiet in recess.

Sessions and recesses

Each two-year Congress is split into annual sessions. Within a year, weeks in session bring votes, bills, and committee work, while recesses, including a long August break and the December holidays, are mostly quiet.

Why it matters in your league

The congressional calendarActivity clusters in session weeks and slows during recess, shown as a busy week and a quiet week with Lex.+++z z zIn session: points flowRecess: things slow
In session, points flow. In recess, things slow.

Scoring follows real activity, so a great roster earns almost nothing during a recess week. Check the schedule before you set your lineup and your Key Legislator, and lean on members who are busy the weeks Congress is actually in.