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House speaker calls early recess before midterms amid AI regulation frenzy
theguardian.com • • general
Key Points:
- House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled Thursday votes, sending lawmakers home early ahead of the midterm election recess, avoiding a vote on Republican Thomas Massie’s resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- Johnson has repeatedly shortened the legislative session, drawing criticism from Democrats who accuse him of avoiding important votes, including on AI regulation and impeachment matters.
- Despite calls from over 100 House Democrats to extend the session for AI oversight legislation, Johnson opposed a moratorium on AI development, citing national security concerns and competition with China.
- Johnson characterized the schedule change as moving votes earlier rather than canceling them, claiming the House has been highly productive and emphasizing the need for members to engage with constituents before the election.
- The impeachment resolution against Hegseth is expected to be postponed until after the midterms, but it remains a priority for lawmakers when Congress reconvenes, as it was filed as a privileged resolution that fast-tracks consideration.
