House lawmakers are returning to Washington this week with a legislative agenda that includes a stopgap funding bill to prevent a government shutdown before the November midterm elections. Also on the docket are votes on measures intended to bolster the Republican Party's messaging strategy and a recommendation from the House Ethics Committee to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., for alleged unprofessional conduct.
The immediate priority is a vote on a short-term spending bill aimed at keeping the federal government funded through early December. The bill, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support, includes changes to make it more amenable to Democrats, such as delaying a proposed rule that would give political appointees more authority over federal grant distribution and ensuring funds cannot be transferred to the Border Patrol. However, a provision delaying a federal ban on intoxicating hemp THC products has drawn criticism from some Republican lawmakers. The bill is expected to be fast-tracked to avoid a separate procedural vote, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage.
Another potential legislative item is a Senate-passed bill that would impose sanctions on key sectors of the Russian economy and grant President Donald Trump authority to levy tariffs on countries that purchase a significant amount of Russian oil and gas. This measure, an effort to cut off revenue President Vladimir Putin uses to finance the war in Ukraine, passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support. However, some House Democrats oppose the bill, citing concerns that the sweeping new tariff authorities could be used to penalize allies. A vote has not yet been scheduled, but proponents are working to bring it to the floor before lawmakers depart for campaigning.
Lawmakers are also set to vote on a resolution condemning socialism, part of a strategy by Republicans to link the Democratic Party to democratic socialist candidates. The House will also consider the recommendation to censure Edwards, who faces allegations of persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct toward two young female aides. Edwards has contested the Ethics Committee's findings, arguing that while his conduct may have been unconventional, it did not constitute sexual harassment. He points to the committee's own conclusion that there was no evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositions. The committee's report cited lavish gifts, comments on appearance, invitations to intimate dinners and vacations, and expressions of affection as evidence supporting its recommendation for censure, which is a formal expression of the House's disapproval that falls short of expulsion. Edwards had previously withdrawn his reelection bid after the committee's report was released.