House, Senate release calendars

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. House and Senate released their calendars for the 113th Congress Friday.

The next session of Congress begins Jan. 3 with the swearing-in ceremony newly elected members, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., said in a release.

"Part of our goal in scheduling the House is to ensure that we never lose touch with the constituents we each represent while completing our work in Washington," Cantor said. "Time spent in the district between Monday and Friday is essential for meeting with small businesses, employees, seniors, veterans, and other local communities during working hours. We will continue to accommodate members with longer distances to travel home and provide at least one constituent work week each month, with the exception of June."

While in Washington the House will use the mornings for committee work and limit floor votes to the afternoons, except for appropriations work.

"Combined, these reforms have brought increased predictability to members schedules and efficiency to the committees and floor," he said.

As in previous years, the Senate will have in-district work periods around U.S. holidays such as President's Day, Passover, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Columbus Day and Veterans' Day, The Hill said.