C.2(c). Legislative Day

A legislative day begins at 12:01 a.m. and ends at midnight the following day. Congress may remain in session continuously, but must recess for at least one minute between legislative days to preserve the calendar and record.

I am certain that more than one person has read this subclause and asked, “What? Why is that in there???” It’s an excellent question. I am sad to report that I have an equally good answer. Congress often has specific triggers that occur after a certain number of days have passed, and so on. It has become a recognized tool to have a short, one-minute recess at midnight each night so that the “day” is never closed out.

It's ridiculous. It’s an outrage. And it defies common sense. Garbage like this is why Americans dislike Congress so much.

While every possible loophole or clever trick can’t be predicted, this one is known. So this subclause closes it. It sets a defined end to the legislative day, regardless of parliamentary procedures.