Is anyone even working in D.C. in August?
If you’ve ever tried to schedule a meeting in Washington during August, you’d be forgiven for thinking the entire federal government evaporates into thin air. Lawmakers vanish. Hearing rooms go dark. Suits are replaced by polos. Surely nothing important is happening, right?
Wrong.
While Congress heads home for its traditional District Work Period—hosting town halls and visiting local businesses—federal agencies are deep in the weeds drafting, publishing, and collecting comments on major regulatory proposals. In fact, some of the most consequential Medicare rules of the year drop precisely when Capitol Hill is empty.
Congressional District Work Period: A Historical Snapshot
The August break dates back to the mid-20th century, when longer sessions, heavier legislative workloads, and a sweltering, pre-air-conditioned Washington led lawmakers to seek respite during the hottest part of the year. But it wasn’t until the 1970s—amid government reforms and rising constituent demands—that Congress institutionalized this district-focused period in the 1970 Legislative Reorganization Act.
What Congress Is Doing
During August, Members of Congress actively:
- Hold town halls and community events
- Visit schools, businesses, and local organizations
- Engage with civic and media stakeholders
- Address constituent concerns and casework
This time back home isn’t a vacation—it’s a political imperative. (Especially in an election year.)
What Agencies Are Doing
Back in Washington, regulatory agencies like CMS, HHS, and FDA are hard at work. The August calendar often includes:
- Release of Medicare payment rules for the next calendar year
- Opening of public comment periods for providers, associations, and advocates
- Data and policy development for final rules due in the fall
- Stakeholder meetings, technical briefings, and internal regulatory review
Currently Open Medicare Rules
Here’s what’s live now on Regulations.gov and requires action in the very near-term:
- CY 2026 ESRD Prospective Payment System (CMS20250240) – Comments due August 29
- Provider Enrollment Changes (CMS20250242) – Comments due August 29
- CY 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System – (CMS202512347) – Comments due September 5
- CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule & QPP (CMS1832P) – Comments due September 12
- CY 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Proposed Rule – (CMS202513360) – Comments due September 15
These comment windows are crucial—and they don’t wait for Congress to return.
Why August Matters
For health care advocates, it’s one of the busiest months of the year. Here’s what we are doing:
- Meeting with lawmakers in-district to shape fall legislative priorities
- Hosting site visits
- Catching up Congressional staff who have a bit more time to talk
- Analyzing proposed rules and draft formal comments
August does mean a break but it doesn’t mean sitting back.