Congressional Calendar for 2003

The 108th Congress is now in session. When President Bush sends his FY 2004 budget request to Congress on February 3 the annual budget cycle will begin. Hearings before various House and Senate authorization and appropriations committees will occur throughout the year, with many of the most important budget-related hearings held before the July 4th recess.

The following congressional calendar is useful in scheduling visits with your representative or senators. Personal visits are an especially effective way to communicate directly with your Members of Congress.

Traditionally, Members of Congress are in Washington on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, except as noted during the recesses below. Although many constituents travel to Washington for such visits, it can be equally effective, and less expensive, to visit with them in their local offices. Such appointments are likely to be longer an will not have to compete with hearings, roll call votes, and other duties. Also to be considered are invitations to Members to visi research laboratories, universities, and other such institutions where they can see, first-hand, tax dollars at work.

To identify your Members of Congress, telephone numbers, and Washington and local offices visit the following two web sites: http://www.house.gov/ and http://www.senate.gov/index.htm Information on planning an effective appointment can be found on the AIP Science Policy website at http://www.aip.org/gov/commcong.html

February 3: President Bush submits his budget

February 17 - 21: House and Senate recess

April 14 - 25: House and Senate recess

May 26 - 30: House and Senate recess

June 30 - July 4: House and Senate recess

July 28 - September 2: House recess

August 4- September 1: Senate recess

October 1: Start of FY 2004

October 3: Target adjournment date