Majority Leader Cantor released the 2012 Calendar for the House of Representatives yesterday. 2012 House Calendar. This is the schedule that determines when your House Representative is in DC. Like this year, there are regularly set "district work periods". These used to be known as "Recess" periods--a chance for Members to spend time in their districts, away from DC, visiting constituents, traveling, and getting in touch with the real world. (Have I mentioned that I'm thrilled to be living back in the real world lately? I am.)
The difference with next years calendar, is that as the year gets closer to November, the "district work periods" will increase, and get longer. Why? Because it's an election year. That means that very little work beyond the "must-pass"legislation (read: appropriations) will get done, because no one wants to rock the boat heading into November. Any real accomplishments will happen early in the year, if at all. The political silly season will be starting soon...
That said, if you want to go to the Hill to visit your Member of Congress (and to actually stand a chance of seeing your Member in person) you want to schedule your trip when Congress is in session. If you don't care about seeing your Member in person, and want to visit with their staff (the more productive option) or just want a slightly calmer time to visit, you'd want to plan your trip for those days that the Congress is back home for the district work period.
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