House cancels Thursday votes

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) says the lower chamber will no longer hold votes on Thursday, allowing members to leave Washington a day ahead of schedule.

“Members are advised that — pending timely completion of our scheduled legislative business — votes are no longer expected in the House on Thursday, April 19,” House Majority Whip Steve Scalise’s (R-La.) office said in a scheduling announcement. “The House will meet at noon for legislative business tomorrow, with last votes for the day and week expected at approximately 5:15 PM.”{mosads}

With Republicans gearing up for the midterm elections, leaders are likely to shorten work periods so that members can spend more time campaigning in their districts. 

According to Cook Political Report, 29 GOP-held House seats are listed as toss-ups and 51 are likely or lean Republican in the midterms. In contrast, Democrats have three toss-up House seats and 13 likely or lean Democratic seats.