Congress Post-Recess Gridlock Intensifies
Key Questions
What major bills did the House pass recently?
The House passed H.R. 6938 minibus and the amended 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act by a 396-13 vote, along with a Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions bill by 226-195 that saw 18 GOP defectors. It also advanced an FY2027 education bill with a $1.6B Title I cut and H.R. 8595 authorizing $3.35B for global health programs.
Why did the Senate reject the continuing resolution?
The Senate rejected S.2882, exposing GOP infighting over the anti-weaponization fund and Trump ballroom funds, while passing a $70B ICE/Border Patrol bill 52-47 with all Democrats opposed.
What is the status of the anti-weaponization fund?
Trump plans to drop the anti-weaponization fund, but Senate Democrats have introduced legislation to block it, and a federal judge has temporarily blocked the DOJ's $1.8B version of the fund.
How is the defense budget being handled?
A $1.5T defense budget request is under debate along with executive power grabs over appropriations, and the House NDAA includes Section 224 formalizing US-Israel defense tech integration.
What actions were taken on the gas tax?
Treasury Secretary Bessent confirmed the White House asked Congress to eliminate the gas tax during hearings on budget and Trump policies.
What new banking rules did FinCEN issue?
FinCEN issued banking red flags targeting illegal employment schemes as part of broader congressional and regulatory activity following recess.
What geothermal and privacy legislation is advancing?
Bipartisan geothermal legislation advanced in committee, while the House E&C subcommittee held a hearing on federal privacy legislation and Sen. Coons promoted a social media research bill.
What is the outlook for avoiding a government shutdown?
Sen. Crapo joined a bipartisan bill to prevent shutdowns via automatic CRs, though Sen. Thune faces challenges over the stalled ICE/CBP funding bill amid the legislative backlog.
House passes H.R. 6938 minibus and amended 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act 396-13; Senate rejects S.2882 continuing resolution; Senate passes $70B ICE/Border Patrol bill 52-47 with all Dems opposed, exposing GOP infighting over anti-weaponization fund and Trump ballroom funds. House passes Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions bill 226-195 with 18 GOP defectors. Treasury Secretary Bessent confirms White House asked Congress to eliminate gas tax. Trump now plans to drop the anti-weaponization fund, but Senate Democrats introduce bill to block it. Thune faces headache over stalled ICE/CBP funding bill. Crapo joins bipartisan bill to prevent shutdowns via automatic CRs; $1.5T defense budget request and executive power grabs over appropriations debated. Sen. Merkley confronts Trump official on missing drought funding in FY27 budget. TANF reforms and Ukraine aid bills also on agenda. House NDAA includes Section 224 formalizing US-Israel defense tech integration; House E&C subcommittee holds hearing on federal privacy legislation; Sen. Coons promotes social media research bill; Rep. Mace introduces assimilation legislation. Bipartisan geothermal legislation advances in committee. House bill H.R. 8595 authorizes $3.35B for global health programs. New: House subcommittee advances FY2027 education bill with $1.6B Title I cut; FinCEN issues banking red flags for illegal employment schemes; Congress returns with Medicaid work requirement rule looming; federal judge rules on automatic COLA adjustments for congressional pay.