Becker’s Washington Weekly: Week of September 14

Congress’ Fall Return

The House and Senate return to Washington this week after their August and Labor Day week recesses – although this will be the House’s final working week before the midterm elections.

The House’s agenda includes taking up the next biannual Water Resources Development Act, which authorizes various water projects and studies through the Army Corps of Engineers. Lawmakers will also consider the Senate’s Russia sanctions bill negotiated by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), as well as more than 70 bills slated for expedited consideration on datacenter ratepayer restrictions, federal land transfers, and AM radio vehicle requirements. The House may also take up an Iran war powers bill.

Senators are expected to hold a procedural vote on cryptocurrency legislation as lawmakers begin considering the nominations of Gerald Klomp as IRS chief counsel and Heidi Overton to lead the FDA.

Meanwhile, lawmakers will hold several committee hearings this week, including the following:

• The Senate Judiciary Committee will examine fraud in the healthcare market
• The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee will examine innovation in disaster prevention and biotechnology
• The House Small Business Committee will consider digital assets’ impact on small businesses
• The House Appropriations hearing will hold a budget hearing on America’s trade and investment agencies