Becker’s Washington Weekly: Week of September 15

Washington Works to Avert Shutdown

Congress returns to Washington for its last full working week of the month with 15 days left before a potential government shutdown and no funding deal in sight.

Lawmakers will break next week in observance of Rosh Hashanah, but in the meantime, the House will take up several bills dealing with domestic energy production and criminal reform in the District of Columbia. Legislation moving through expedited procedures address veterans’ benefits and federal research programs.

Meanwhile, the Senate will continue to take up nominations following Majority Leader John Thune’s (R-SD) move to expedite their considerations after months of backlog.

Both Chambers will also gavel in several committee hearings this week, including the following:

• The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee will discuss using AI to advance VA care
• The Senate Small Business Committee will examine strategies to boost American manufacturing
• The House Energy & Commerce Committee will examine home building and appliance regulations
• The House Judiciary Committee will discuss AI dominance in America