Congressional Dysfunction and Oversight Challenges

McConnell's extended absence continues to paralyze the Senate, stalling appropriations, FISA, defense spending, Iran funding, and farm bill. Raises questions about leadership succession and razor-thin majority. CRS report reveals reconciliation can be used more flexibly (Section 304 serial revisions), potentially bypassing filibuster for voting rights and budget bills. Congressional reform article argues for reducing leadership power, naming candidates challenging Thune, Schumer, Johnson, Jeffries. Rep. Jahana Hayes introduces bill to protect congressional access to federal agencies for oversight. Fauci contempt vote tests oversight power; alternative route via VP Vance bypasses floor vote. Senate passes short-term funding bill blocking Trump's border reallocation, testing congressional ability to check executive overreach. New data shows loss of bipartisan 'bridgers' in primaries threatens next Congress's functionality. Sen. Merkley introduces For Our Republic Act to counter executive overreach (oversight, civil service, elections, ethics).