McConnell's Absence Stalls Senate Legislation

Sen. Mitch McConnell's extended absence has paralyzed the Senate, stalling key bills including appropriations, FISA reauthorization, defense spending, Iran funding, and the farm bill. Raises questions about leadership succession and the fragility of the razor-thin majority. No clear timeline for return. House passes reconciliation package including Iran war funding and SAVE Act, but Senate faces filibuster and GOP skepticism; NDAA also stalled. New: CRS report reveals reconciliation can be used more flexibly (Section 304 serial revisions), potentially bypassing filibuster for voting rights and budget bills.