Hoyer leaves door open to early House return

The House of Representatives adjourned for the rest of 2009, but left the door open to returning earlier than planned to deal with outstanding legislative priorities.

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) formally announced on Wednesday night that the House plans no more votes for the rest of the year.

But Hoyer said that adjournment was contingent on the Senate's movement on "must-pass" legislation, an allusion to the healthcare bill the upper chamber has furiously worked to finish before its Christmas holiday recess.

"Following Special Orders this evening, the House will adjourn pending further action by the Senate on must-pass legislation," Hoyer said in a statement. "If the Senate completes action on all must-pass legislation, the House will adjourn Sine Die pursuant to the Adjournment Resolution, H.Con.Res. 223."

The House finished up its legislative business in a series of votes, including approvals of a jobs bill, a short-term increase to the U.S. debt ceiling, and a defense authorization package.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) left shortly after those votes on Wednesday evening with a bipartisan delegation of lawmakers to attend the Copenhagen conference on climate change.

Hoyer said the House could return before the second week in January if it becomes necessary.

"Pursuant to H.Res. 976 or recall authority under the adjournment resolution, Members may be called back for legislative business before January 12, 2010 to complete action on legislation if it becomes necessary," Hoyer said.