Overview
- House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled planned votes and adjourned the House on Wednesday, sending members home until after the November 3 midterm elections.
- Republican Rep. Thomas Massie filed a privileged eight-article resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the early adjournment delays floor consideration that House rules would otherwise force within two legislative days.
- Before adjourning, the chamber approved the Lindsey O. Graham sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran and the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act addressing data‑center energy costs.
- Hundreds of House Democrats urged leaders to stay in session to pass AI safeguards, but Johnson rejected a moratorium on AI and said he preferred meetings with industry executives instead of immediate legislation.
- The recess leaves major oversight and policy gaps for lawmakers to address after the election, including the lapsed Section 702 surveillance authority, Iran war oversight, release of Epstein-related files, upcoming funding fights, and continued strain inside the House GOP.