Congress IS in recess:
https://www.senate.gov/legislative/resources/pdf/2018_calendar.pdf
http://www.klgates.com/files/Publication/808a4484-a5de-4e91-83c4-f0c32f963f47/Presentation/PublicationAttachment/ffd1774e-399d-4789-b037-f3fc8037b744/2018_Congressional_Calendar.pdf
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/408971-house-cancels-october-votes-heads-home-to-campaign