Senators returning to Washington in 2025 will face an intensified schedule as Republicans aim to expedite President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda. Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune released the 2025 Senate calendar, which includes 10 consecutive weeks in session starting January 3, with the first recess not until March.
The extended schedule reflects Republican efforts to confirm Trump’s Cabinet nominees and advance his legislative priorities. The Senate will meet for 179 days in 2025, a notable increase compared to the 158 days worked during President Joe Biden’s first year. This year, the Republican-led House is set to meet for only 136 days.
The schedule disrupts the recent norm of shorter workweeks, where senators often arrived Monday evening and departed by Thursday afternoon. Thune emphasized the new pace, writing on X, “Get ready to work,” alongside an image of the Senate’s calendar. Fridays will see significant activity, particularly in the opening months.
Notable adjustments include only two shortened weeks starting on a Tuesday—both after holidays (Presidents Day and Labor Day). The extended workload comes as some Republicans have criticized previous years’ lighter schedules, which they argue hindered legislative progress.
Despite the demanding schedule, lawmakers will still have traditional breaks. Both chambers will recess for two weeks in mid-April for Easter and Passover, and weeklong breaks are planned around Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. The Senate will also observe a recess for Columbus Day in October, and both chambers will break for two weeks in November for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.
Key legislative deadlines include the end of the fiscal year on September 30. Lawmakers are scheduled to be in session on September 29 and 30 to address funding needs. Additionally, the calendar accounts for religious observances like Rosh Hashanah with a recess in late September.
This robust schedule signals a clear push to advance Trump’s agenda efficiently, leaving lawmakers with little room for delays.
