Federal policy battles and legislative gridlock
Key Questions
What is causing the current legislative gridlock in Congress over the SAVE Act?
GOP infighting has paralyzed Congress, leading to canceled House votes and a Senate recess, with Speaker Johnson consulting Trump. Local GOP election officials have called the SAVE Act unworkable and unnecessary, contradicting administration claims.
How did the bipartisan housing bill become law despite Trump's refusal to sign it?
The bill passed with veto-proof majorities (85-5 in the Senate and 358-32 in the House) and took effect without the president's signature. It includes a CBDC ban, marking a significant crypto policy win amid executive-legislative tensions.
What are the main GOP proposals following the Supreme Court's birthright citizenship ruling?
Speaker Johnson and others are pushing legislation to restrict birthright citizenship, including a new bill from Rep. McGuire. Additional ideas include appropriations riders from Chip Roy and narrower bills from Senators Schmitt and Scott.
What is the status of the Clarity Act and its potential impact on crypto regulation?
The Clarity Act missed its July 4 deadline, but a proposed quorum fix could mitigate effects from the Slaughter decision on independent agencies. Trump's $1.4B crypto disclosure has added ethics scrutiny to the process.
How are other federal policy battles affecting areas like Medicaid, SNAP, and student loans?
The DOJ sued New York over $10B in Medicaid funds while a court blocked USDA SNAP restrictions. A bipartisan effort seeks to delay SNAP cuts, and the One Big Beautiful Bill ends the SAVE student loan plan.
GOP infighting over the SAVE Act paralyzes Congress: House canceled Friday votes, Senate in recess, Johnson heads to Trump. Local GOP election officials call the SAVE Act unworkable and unnecessary, contradicting Trump's claims. House Republicans weigh reconciliation push despite Byrd Rule barriers. Trump refused to sign bipartisan housing bill but it became law without his signature (85-5 Senate, 358-32 House), highlighting executive-legislative conflict and legislative independence. The CBDC ban is a significant crypto policy win. The Supreme Court's birthright citizenship ruling deepens GOP divisions; Speaker Johnson pushes Congress to restrict birthright citizenship via legislation. New bill from Rep. McGuire follows Kavanaugh's statutory path. Other GOP proposals: Chip Roy eyes appropriations riders, Schmitt and Scott propose narrower bills, Ogles pushes 'Anchors Away Act'. Freedom Caucus leverages ruling to demand border policy codification. The Clarity Act (crypto regulation) missed its July 4 deadline; a proposed quorum fix in the CLARITY Act could slow damage from the Slaughter decision on independent agencies. Trump's $1.4B crypto disclosure adds ethics pressure. Inflation at 4.2%; Fed held rates. Other battles: DOJ sues New York over $10B Medicaid; federal court blocked USDA SNAP restrictions; labor opposition to mass deportation; bipartisan push to delay SNAP cuts; Faster Labor Contracts Act passed House; cannabis banking filed; Senator King opposed veterans disability cuts; One Big Beautiful Bill ends SAVE student loan plan. US and China targeting tariff cuts on farm goods. House Democrat accused NTIA of BEAD mismanagement favoring Starlink. Rep. Ansari hosted shadow hearing on healthcare affordability. Farm Bill negotiations stalled with only 40 legislative days left; Trump's $87.6B supplemental includes $11.1B for farmers. Trump administration revived the public charge rule, broadening green card disqualification criteria, potentially affecting 26 million people.