2002 Congressional Calendar

Congress has now reconvened for the second session of the 107th Congress. Next week, on February 4, President Bush will submit his FY 2003 budget request to Congress. This will start the appropriations cycle for fiscal year 2003, which begins on October 1, 2002.

Below is the tentative congressional calendar for the coming year. Because it is an election year, Members of Congress will try to spend as much time as possible in their state or district offices, and will try to wrap up their work early enough to campaign before the elections in November. However, with Members trying to stake out positions prior to the election, and with a projected deficit looming, this is likely to be a difficult and contentious session.

Visiting with your Members of Congress can be one of the most effective ways of communicating your views. This year, you may be more likely to find them available if you set up a visit at their local state or district offices, particularly during one of the House’s District Work Periods. You may also want to consider inviting a Member to visit your university or laboratory. Keep in mind that House Members are generally in their districts from Friday through Monday, and spend Tuesday through Thursday on Capitol Hill.

Please see “Communicating with Congress” on our web site at http://www.aip.org/gov for more information on planning an effective visit with your Members of Congress.

CONGRESSIONAL CALENDAR FOR 2002:

January 23: Congress reconvenes

February 18 - 2: Winter District Work Period

March 25 - April 5: Spring District Work Period

May 27 - 3: Memorial Day District Work Period

July 1 - 5: Independence Day District Work Period

July 26: Summer Recess Begins - House

August 2: Summer Recess Begins - Senate

September 3: Return from Summer Recess

September 16: Congress Not In Session - Yom Kippur

October 4: Targeted Adjournment Date

November 5: General Elections