The U.S. Senate is set to confront a substantial legislative agenda upon its return, facing a slate of nominations, government funding debates, and foreign policy challenges. These tasks are made more complex by the recent death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., which has reduced the Republican majority.
Key priorities awaiting the Senate include the confirmation of Jay Clayton as the replacement for acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, whose appointment had stalled efforts to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Clayton's confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee is scheduled for Wednesday. Additionally, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will undergo his confirmation hearing this week, with some Republican senators, including Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., expressing cautious optimism about his nomination.
President Donald Trump's push for his election integrity legislation, the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, presents another significant hurdle. Trump has indicated a desire to attach the SAVE America Act to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a move that Republican Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., fears would empower Democrats and jeopardize the NDAA's passage due to a lack of bipartisan support.
Government Funding and Foreign Policy
The Senate also faces the challenge of initiating the government funding process. Senator Rounds, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, anticipates that several spending bills will be brought to the Senate floor. He expressed concern that the Trump administration might withhold funding for certain priorities, potentially leading to negotiations for a continuing resolution to extend funding past the election.
The administration's renewed military actions in Iran, stemming from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, are also expected to reignite debates over war powers. Following a temporary ceasefire agreement that President Trump ended, Democrats, including Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., have voiced opposition to new strikes without congressional authorization, advocating for a return to a ceasefire.