On July 28, 2023, both the House of Representatives and the Senate entered the summer congressional district work period colloquially referred to as "August recess", which is a month-long period in which Members of Congress leave D.C. to travel back to their home states and districts. The Senate is expected to reconvene just after Labor Day, on September 5, and the House is expected to reconvene the following week, on September 12. The legislative calendar will be very busy when both chambers are back in session. There are numerous bills that are pending reauthorizations by the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2023, including the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) and the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act). Additionally, Congress will have to debate and agree on the 12 annual appropriations bills by the beginning of the next fiscal year, October 1. In order to avoid a government shutdown, Congress may need to consider temporary measures, such as Continuing Resolutions, which are temporary spending bills that allow federal government operations to continue in such instances.

Impact on General Dentistry: A government shutdown or the lack of critical reauthorizations may affect key federal programs that impact general dentistry. The AGD will continue to keep an eye on legislative activity that may affect dentists or the practice of general dentistry.