Will the U.S. House ever be called back into session? At least one person makes the case it may not.

[summer_in_TX]

Last edited Sun Oct 26, 2025, 06:25 PM - Edit history (1)

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19u8SLpN9B/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The author of a most concerning (long and detailed too) post on Facebook, Tonoccus McClain, was a former correspondent on Channel One for three years. He's had a Substack, but hasn't posted there since July. This was on Facebook Oct. 22 and he says FB had removed the same post several times before, but that it keeps getting reposted, sometimes by others claiming they wrote it, other times by people giving him credit. This was still up as of today..

All that is to say I don't know all I would like to about this source before I share it, but what he posted is written with a strong case made that is seriously concerning.

No Speaker of the House who seriously wants to end this government shutdown would disband Congress with no firm date to return. Period.

It is simply impossible to navigate negotiations of any kind and also not be at work. In fact, not only do the actions of the Speaker more closely align with those of a person not planning to reopen the federal government anytime soon, his actions suggest he isn’t planning to reopen it at all.

[snip]

By failing to publish a calendar or set a date of return, the Speaker of the House caused the House of Representatives to cease to exist as an active governing body… and nobody noticed.

[snip]

This is why the calendar is not a bureaucratic formality; it is the heartbeat of constitutional oversight. The genius and danger of this maneuver is that it leaves no clear act to challenge. Johnson doesn’t have to suspend Congress formally (which would be unconstitutional); he only has to never reconvene it. As long as the Speaker’s chair remains vacant, so does the House itself.

Since his post, a House Democrat is making the same point.
"House Democrat Declares, ‘Mike Johnson Has Effectively Dissolved the United States House of Representatives"
https://www.mediaite.com/media/tv/house-democrat-declares-mike-johnson-has-effectively-dissolved-the-united-states-house-of-representatives

[kimbutgar]

1. He is going to get the Supreme Court to make the constitution moot

And take over this country in a coup.

[bottomofthehill]

2. There is a date. This CR is only through Nov 20

the Speaker keeps saying we have done our job the senate has not. On November 20, the House will need another bill. The Speaker will no longer be able to say we passed a bill as th Bill will have passed its conclusion date

[rzemanfl]

4. This is about Epstein. Johnson will do what TSF tells him to IMHO. n/t

[summer_in_TX]

9. Thank you! Yes, November 21.

So there are some inaccuracies. But it is something to keep an eye on.

[pcdb]

22. Won't they just pass the same bill?

Then go on recess again?

[bottomofthehill]

25. Same bill different date sure

but they will have to come in session to do it and then there is no reason not to sign in Mrs Grivijala

[rzemanfl]

3. I posted about this last Wednesday.

https://democraticunderground.com/100220741363

This needs as much exposure as it can get. K&R.

[summer_in_TX]

10. Thanks! I did a search but missed your post.

It bears watching.

[rzemanfl]

12. It would have been easy to miss. n/t

[Baitball Blogger]

5. Republican's constituents, who are already angry, will have to apply pressure on their

House reps until they find nine who will start the process to remove Johnson.

So, you hear that MAGAs? You have a way to fight back.

[valleyrogue]

18. I believe it will happen. Johnson needs to be removed or forced to resign. n/t

[LuckyCharms]

6. It hit me this week that they may not reopen, as per plan. n/t

[canetoad]

7. Are the members

Still getting paid?

[EdmondDantes_]

21. Yes. It's constitutionally mandatory

[canetoad]

24. Thanks

Although half don't deserve it.

[ThoughtCriminal]

8. A Dead Man is Running the Government

Jeffrey Epstein

[rzemanfl]

13. Exactly. n/t

[Maru Kitteh]

11. These are terrifying times. We're on an airbus at 30K feet with suicidal pilots.

[The Madcap]

26. More like a Boeing 737 Max

That is on a malfunctioning autopilot.

[bucolic_frolic]

14. Republicans are happy. Government drowned in the bathtub.

What part of the Federal government is functioning right now? Incumbents can tear down buildings and no one can do anything. The money is still trickling here or there. Air traffic controllers are doing their jobs, but mostly understaffed and full of stress. IRS? Medicare?

I said weeks ago, March or April before this shutdown ends. Then it's time to convince the public the GOP is doing a great job because the elections are coming up November 2026. Will SCOTUS allow it? Suddenly they don't want any more election cases.

[Tribetime]

15. I think a republican will be the 218th vote

In the near future JMHO and end the shutdown

[valleyrogue]

16. I completely agree.

When it does, it will be time to remove Johnson. Better yet, force him to resign.

[onenote]

17. The Senate needs to act. Getting 218 votes in House doesn't do squat unless Senate will act.

[themaguffin]

23. possibly, but what a shit show.

[uponit7771]

19. PedoCon has screwed Dems in the past and they have little reason reason to deal with him again

[Martin Eden]

20. The current Republican-majority House is a mere appendage of King Trump

Functionally, Congress is no longer one of three co-equal branches Constitutionally established in our government. Considering the current Supreme Court, there may be only one.