Lawmakers from both chambers are returning to Washington for a concentrated legislative session ahead of the November midterm elections, marking the first time both the House and Senate have been in session simultaneously since July 23.
The House is scheduled for its final week of legislative business before the election, following Speaker Mike Johnson's decision to cancel two previously planned weeks of votes. The Senate, with no changes to its schedule announced, has three weeks of business remaining, though it is possible Majority Leader John Thune could opt to send senators back to their campaigns earlier.
Key Legislative Priorities
Although a looming government funding deadline typically complicates September sessions, a stopgap funding bill has already been passed and signed into law, extending government operations until December 11. This measure alleviates immediate fiscal pressure, and Senate Republicans are unlikely to advance a comprehensive budget bill before the midterms.
Despite the absence of a fiscal showdown, Congress faces pressure to address several critical issues.
Military Funding
Concerns regarding military leadership and resources have intensified following the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll over the summer. The ongoing conflict in Iran, now in its seventh month, has also heightened the urgency surrounding military funding. Legislators are expected to navigate a path forward for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is currently stalled. The Senate has indicated it will not pursue Reconciliation 3.0, a proposed $95 billion package intended to bolster military resources, provide relief to American farmers, and include provisions from the SAVE America Act. While the NDAA deadline is at the end of the year, delays could contribute to a backlog of legislation during the lame-duck session.
Russia Sanctions and AI Regulation
House Republicans plan to bring a Russia sanctions bill to the floor for a vote, despite Democratic objections. The bill requires a simple majority for passage. Additionally, there is a renewed focus on regulating artificial intelligence following reports highlighting significant security concerns. Lawmakers from both parties have requested information from OpenAI and initiated investigations into the technology.
Anti-Fraud Measures
The House is also set to debate and vote on several anti-fraud measures this week. These include the Preventing Ripoffs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds Act, legislation to protect taxpayers from healthcare fraud, and a bill to establish a National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice.
Other Potential Legislation
Other significant bills that could be addressed include a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) bill in the Senate and legislation to regulate cryptocurrency. However, the cryptocurrency bill faces scrutiny from Democrats concerned about potential ethics carve-outs.
Notable Absences and Appearances
It remains unclear if Senator Mitch McConnell, who has been absent from Capitol Hill since a fall in June, will be present for this session. Meanwhile, several high-ranking Trump administration officials are scheduled to appear before committees. FBI Director Kash Patel is slated to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will appear before the House Financial Services Committee.