Faced with the first chance to actually work that five-day week they promised when they took control of the House, Democratic leaders opted instead for a long weekend.

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., informed members Wednesday that the chamber would not be open for business Feb. 9, because there wouldn’t be enough legislation ready to keep them busy.

He encouraged them to do what he said they would normally do — spend the day in their districts meeting with constituents, going to PTA, Rotary or Lion’s Club meetings.

The news didn’t seem to bother Republicans, who have complained repeatedly about the work schedule.

“Our problem is not that the members of the Congress don’t work five days a week,” said Minority Whip Roy Blunt, R-Mo. “Too many work seven days a week.”

Holidays and party retreats — including a Democratic retreat Thursday and Friday — have gotten in the way of fulfilling the five-day workweek goal since the 110th Congress convened. Hoyer offered no estimate of when the five-day floor sessions might actually begin.