Congress in Standstill:
Just as Congress narrowly averted a shutdown late last month, the House of Representatives is effectively closed for business after Members voted to remove Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as Speaker of the House.
Running to replace McCarthy are House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) who will make their cases to their fellow House Republicans today in their conference meeting.
Without a Speaker, the House cannot conduct legislative business despite the bipartisan support for sending aid to Israel after Hamas’ surprise attack against the nation. Also, lawmakers have roughly five weeks to pass a government funding bill or risk shutting down the government.
The Senate is out this week but will return to DC next week.
The Administration:
This week, President Joe Biden will deliver remarks on the ongoing attacks in Israel. He will then give virtual remarks at the U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention & Control.