Does the New Congress have Any Options to Convene BEFORE Jan?

[berni_mccoy]

I'm asking because it's looking like Bush is planning to go ballistic (sending many more troops, stepping up operations and increasing our position in Iraq). The people voted for change, not more of the same.

If possible, should Congress convene and do something to change the course in Iraq?

[rodeodance]

1. i feel so helpless at this moment! but i do not know the rules either.

[Freddie Stubbs]

2. No

The old Congress' term does not end until January 3rd:

Amendment XX - Presidential, Congressional Terms. Ratified 1/23/1933. History

1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.

[napi21]

3. I think the 109th Congress is still in power until Midnight 12/31/2006.

I seriously doubt you'd ever convince the Dems to get to work on New Years day! Hell, everybody's already bitching about a 5 day work week! I suppose they could move their session up one day, but Ibet that's actually moving in day anyway, and one of the reasons they're scheduled to convene session on the 4th.

[Kelly Rupert]

4. That would be interesting.

And unconstitutional.

[Cleita]

5. I imagine they could convene unofficially in a rented hotel

ballroom somewhere. It might even be a good idea to throw and debate ideas around. It should scare the crap out of the White House as well.

[Donnachaidh]

6. I'm sure they are keeping in touch

With all this ME stuff coming out, it's doubtful that any of them are able to blow things off till January, like the republicans do.