Congress Returns to Washington
Lawmakers from both Chambers return to D.C. this week after their month’s long August recess with just three weeks before a government shutdown deadline.
On the eve of their return, House Republicans released the text of a stopgap measure that would fund the government through March 28th of next year, and included an election-related immigration rider – two things which could prove difficult to pass in the Senate.
The House has a packed legislative agenda this week, with several bills under expedited procedures including China-related provisions concerning Taiwan and monetary policy, restrictions on certain foreign technologies and materials, and cross-border crime. Other bills deal with export controls, 6G internet development, and federal election administration.
In addition to the stopgap proposal, other China-related bills are also teed up under regular order, and include limiting funding for Chinese Confucius institutes and EV tax credits, along with launching federal reviews of Chinese espionage and U.S. farmland transactions.
Meanwhile, both the House and the Senate are set to hold several committee hearings this week, including the following:
- The House Energy & Commerce Committee will examine the FDA’s food and tobacco programs
- The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee will discuss implementing future Waters of the United States rules amid recent Supreme Court decisions
- The Senate Budget Committee will examine the longevity of Social Security
- The Senate Finance Committee will discuss tax policies for the new year