A congressional recess is a temporary break in the proceedings of the House or Senate during which the chamber is not conducting official legislative business. Unlike adjournment at the end of a congressional session, a recess is a pause within a session, and Congress can return without starting a new session.

Under the Constitution, neither the House nor the Senate may recess for more than three days without the consent of the other chamber. If both chambers agree, they can recess for longer periods. The length of a recess can vary widely, from a few days to several weeks, depending on the congressional calendar, holidays, or scheduled district work periods.

A recess appointment is a temporary appointment made by the President when the Senate is in recess and unavailable to confirm nominees. Recess appointments allow the President to fill vacancies without Senate approval, but they expire at the end of the next Senate session unless the nominee is formally confirmed. Recess appointments are authorized by Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution.