Back to work for Utah lawmakers: Congress resumes after break

SALT LAKE CITY — It's not your kindergartner's recess.

About every six weeks, Congress takes a weeklong recess to give lawmakers a chance to return to their home districts.

It's a much-needed break from Washington, D.C.'s full calendars of committee meetings, votes and representing the Beehive State.

In turn, they pack their week with various public events to answer questions.

The Fourth of July recess, which lasted from July 5 to 12, allowed Utah's representatives and senators to connect with constituents, campaign and even leave the country.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said he likes holding town hall meetings so he can share in constituents' anger at President Barack Obama's administration.

During his town hall meeting in Layton, Hatch had sometimes lively discussions with Davis County residents. He was generally well-received, though some in attendance asked him to retire.

"You might not think I'm enjoying this, but I am," Hatch told the crowd.

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, said time at home in Brigham City is a luxury, given the amount of travel he does. The break gave him much-needed time to catch up on yard work and other home-improvement projects.

Utah's congressional delegation sat down with the news media to discuss issues. And they spent some time with family.

Here's a look at how they spent some of their time away from Washington, D.C.

Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah

 Attended ATK Aerospace Structures Title II ribbon-cutting in Clearfield.

 Visited Sorenson Molecular Genealogy in Salt Lake City to discuss its work with Operation Smile on an international genetics project.

 Visited Torian Technologies in Lehi to see its projects.

 Went to Arteriocyte Medical Systems, University of Utah, to tour the burn clinic and meet employees.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah

 Spoke at town hall meeting in Layton.

 Made campaign stop for Senate candidate Jane Norton in Colorado Springs, Colo.

 Rode in Provo's parade.