House lawmakers have met and voted just 87 days so far in 2025, fewer than every non-election year over the last two decades except 2021, when a global pandemic forced Americans to socially distance and stay home.

Why it matters: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has turned distance into a governing tool, keeping lawmakers out of D.C. when tensions flare or policy stalls. • While a handful of Republicans have grumbled about being sidelined during a crisis, most of the conference remains publicly supportive of the approach.

Between the lines: Johnson has seized control of the GOP's message, holding daily press conferences since the shutdown began (except for Friday), while rabble-rousing lawmakers are off the Hill and away from the cameras. • Earlier this month, he told reporters tha

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