H.Res. 865, the "Opening the People's House Resolution," creates a new mechanism allowing House members to call for an early end to scheduled district work periods—times when Congress is not in session and members typically return to their home districts. Under this resolution, any member can submit a letter to the House Clerk requesting an end to a district work period, and these letters become public record with names published in the Congressional Record. If a majority of all House members (218 out of 435) submit such letters during a single district work period, that work period must end within two days, and the Speaker cannot schedule another district work period for at least three weeks afterward. The resolution essentially gives rank-and-file members a tool to force the House back into session if they believe Congress should be working rather than in recess. This affects all House members and changes internal House rules without requiring new funding or establishing specific timelines beyond the 2-day termination period and 3-week waiting period mentioned.
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