Becker’s Washington Weekly: Week of September 8

Congress Pivots to Fall Agenda

Lawmakers return to Washington this week with 22 days left before the end of the fiscal year, leaving a handful of legislative working days to pass some form of funding to avoid a government shutdown.

In the Senate, Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is expected to take procedural steps to expedite the confirmation of several Trump Administration non-judicial nominees that have lingered over several months.

Meanwhile, House lawmakers will take up the annual defense program authorization bill this week along with a border enforcement package. Legislation moving through expedited procedures includes federal agency operations, agriculture fees, and pilot and veterans’ benefits.

Both the House and Senate will also convene several hearings this week, including the following:

• The House Committee on Agriculture will discuss states’ options for the Supplemental Nutrition Program
• The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will discuss America’s AI action plan
• The House Energy and Commerce Committee will examine nationwide public safety communications
• The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee will discuss deposit insurance reform