Congressional Recess Is the Time to Schedule Community Visits With Lawmakers

When lawmakers are in Washington, it can be difficult to get meaningful time on their calendars. But when Congress is on recess, they are back in their home states and districts, and that creates a valuable opportunity for senior living leaders to connect in a more personal, impactful way. The U.S. House is currently in a district work period through April 13, 2026, and the Senate is in a state work period through April 10, 2026, with only pro forma sessions during that stretch.

That is why now is the time to schedule a community visit.

There is no substitute for helping lawmakers see senior living up close. A visit to your community allows elected officials to meet residents, hear directly from team members, and better understand the essential role senior living plays in supporting older adults, families, and local economies. These visits move the conversation beyond policy talking points and into real-life impact.

Community visits also help lawmakers see both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. They can witness the quality of care and connection senior living provides, while also gaining a clearer understanding of issues such as workforce pressures, affordability, access, and the need for policies that support growth and innovation across the industry.

If you have been thinking about inviting your representative or senators to visit, this recess period is the ideal time to reach out. Their in-district and in-state schedules are often designed for constituent engagement, and your community offers one of the most effective ways to make senior living real, relevant, and memorable. Official congressional schedules show this is one of the key spring windows when members are back home.

To help make the process easier, we encourage you to download the toolkit, which includes resources to support outreach, planning, and follow-up. Whether this is your first visit or you have hosted lawmakers before, the toolkit is designed to help you make the most of the opportunity.

Download the toolkit, start the outreach, and use this recess to open your doors and strengthen understanding of senior living where it matters most.