WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives will not formally adjourn for the year “until a credible solution to the fiscal cliff has been found," House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., said Wednesday.
Cantor made the announcement during his weekly colloquy with House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., to discuss the forthcoming schedule and possible consideration of pending issues. The exchange occurred after the chamber’s final scheduled votes for this week.
The House was originally scheduled to adjourn and formally end the 112th Congress on Dec. 14. But Cantor’s announcement means House lawmakers likely will meet the following week and possibly right up to and beyond Christmas Day.
Cantor’s announcement is the first signal that lawmakers, their staffs and families may find themselves stuck in Washington over Christmas — or least only able to enjoy a few days to celebrate the holiday.
Even though it will linger through December, the House is done voting for this week.
Addressing concerns that the move might prolong fiscal negotiations, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, made clear that “I’ll be here, I’ll be available at any moment to sit down with the president to get serious about solving this problem."
