Providing for the hour of meeting of the House.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 976
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-06: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-12T15:53:07Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 976) aims to set standard daily meeting times for the U.S. House of Representatives, providing a predictable schedule for legislative sessions unless the House decides otherwise.
Key Provisions
- The House will meet at 2 p.m. on Mondays.
- It will convene at noon on Tuesdays, or at 2 p.m. if no legislative business occurred on the previous Monday.
- Meetings are scheduled for noon on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- For all other days of the week, the House will meet at 9 a.m..
- These times apply "unless otherwise ordered," allowing flexibility for the House to adjust as needed.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution establishes or updates procedural rules for House operations in the 119th Congress. It does not amend broader statutes but serves as an internal House rule, potentially modifying prior scheduling practices to standardize start times and accommodate varying workloads.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Minimal direct impact, though it may influence the timing of committee hearings, bill considerations, and coordination with other congressional bodies like the Senate.
- On citizens: Indirect effects, such as more predictable public access to House proceedings (e.g., via broadcasts or galleries) and potentially faster or slower legislative progress on issues affecting daily life.
- On international relations: Negligible, as this is a domestic procedural matter with no bearing on foreign policy or diplomacy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Members of Congress: House representatives, who must adjust their schedules to these times, potentially affecting travel, family, and constituent meetings.
- Congressional staff and support personnel: Including clerks, aides, and security, who need to prepare for sessions accordingly.
- Media and public observers: Reporters, lobbyists, and visitors to the Capitol, who rely on consistent timing for coverage and engagement.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple House resolution, it falls under Congress's constitutional authority (Article I) to determine its own rules of procedure. It has no force of law outside the House and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature.
- Political: This could streamline House efficiency by setting earlier starts on most days, possibly increasing productivity or allowing more time for debate. However, the Monday/Tuesday flexibility might reflect political considerations, such as accommodating weekend travel for members from distant districts, without sparking major controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-06: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-01-06: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H4)
- 2026-01-06: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H4)
- 2026-01-06: Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H4)
- 2026-01-06: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-06: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Providing for the hour of meeting of the House. — issued 2026-01-06 — PDF (1 pages)