The House is coming back MUCH earlier than expected.

This Week in the People's House (The AUDIBLE Edition)
August 4, 2010
By Bobby Frederick

In what is likely a House of Representatives first, Speaker Nancy Pelosi used Twitter to call members back to the chamber for a special, abbreviated session next week.

Originally, the House had been scheduled to be in session and voting this week, but in June, Congressional leaders changed their minds and decided to give members an extra week of recess.

Plans have changed again as the House will be in session next week to consider a $26 billion state aid package aimed at preventing teacher layoffs and boosting Medicaid. A pro-forma session will likely be called on Monday, with votes and then re-adjournment on Tuesday.

This development occurred after a surprising procedural vote in the Senate that paves the way for that chamber to pass the aid bill on Thursday, August 5th.

Democrats are praising this funding bill as a job saver, while Republicans are painting it as another bailout that they fear states will come to constantly depend on. Adding to the controversy, Democrats are slashing billions in food stamp benefits to help pay for this bill.

For a brief history of other times that the House has been called back into session, click here. August is a popular month for members to hold town hall meetings, spend time with their families and travel. The Nation's Capital is nearly a ghost town during this month as Congressional staff also take vacation or go campaign. There is a good chance that a noticeable number of members could be absent when the House considers this $26 billion spending bill next week.

The People's House will be there to cover it all.