Hoyer to extend House work schedule

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) on Tuesday said he would extend his chamber's work schedule after Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) criticized it for being too lax during the recession. 

Hoyer said that the House will meet after its targeted adjournment date, which according to the House calendar, is Oct. 30.

"After months of work addressing critical issues like economic recovery and protecting American consumers, the House will meet beyond the targeted adjournment date as we continue to advance health insurance reform legislation and other matters," Hoyer said in a statement.

Earlier today, Boehner's office issued a release that criticized the majority for taking up a resolution honoring the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, saying it is "unacceptable" to consider such a measure when the economy continues to struggle.

"It is unacceptable for Congress to take it easy at a time when the nation’s unemployment rate is nearing 10 percent and millions of out-of-work families struggling to make ends meet are asking, ‘where are the jobs?’” the minority leader said.

In the release, Boehner's office echoed language from a Fox News story accusing Congress of "playing hooky" during its work week by frequently taking off Fridays despite Democrats' pledges during the 2006 midterm elections to maintain a fuller work week.

But Hoyer's statement implied the House would work harder to pass major legislation before the end of the year. He said that the House could work as late as Nov. 24 on healthcare mark-up.

He also said that the House will meet the entire week of November 2 and into the weekend if necessary. The House will also work the entire week of November 16.

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