Congressional Republicans won a big victory this summer when they died President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill” to cut tax and spending Without a single democratic vote. But when they return to Washington this fall after a month break in August, they have to find a way to work with or around Democrats. Government closure loom.
The annual spending battle will dominate the September agenda and allow efforts to change the Chamber of Commerce rules to block democratic stalling tactics on nominations by Senate Republicans. The Senate is also debating whether the US will advance laws that slap some Russian trading partners with sudden tariffs as Ukraine is putting pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In the House, Republicans continue to investigate former President Joe Biden, with Mike Johnson navigating the division of the conference and whether the Trump administration should publish more files Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
See what Congress will do when lawmakers return from their August break:
Keep the government open
The most urgent task for Congress is to avoid the government shutdown on September 30th, when federal funds are gone. And it is unclear so far whether Republicans and Democrats can agree on how they do that.
Congress must pass short-term spending measures to maintain funds for weeks or months with the government while it is trying to complete its year-round package. But Republicans need the Democratic vote to pass the extension, and Democrats want important concessions. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer votes with Republicans Avoid shutting down in March He urged a fierce repulsion at his party.
The Trump administration’s efforts to curb previously approved spending could also complicate negotiations. Republicans This summer, we passed a law that revoked about $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funds. Trump notified Congress again on Friday What he blocks Congress approved $4.9 billion Foreign aid.
Democrats warn that such efforts could force broader negotiations. “Trump is rooting for the shutdown,” Sen. Chris Murphy posted on social media on Friday.
Senate nominations fight
Senators are expected to return to Washington Where they left off in early August – Fight against Trump candidates.
An angry Republican fled Washington after making little progress on Senate Democrats and the nomination lockdown. This forced delays in confirmation and angered Trump as much of his administration’s position remained unfilled. Republican leaders called it quits after a rare Saturday session that ended with a breakdown of bipartisan negotiations and a Trump social media post. Chuck Schumer “Going to hell!”
Republicans now say they are ready to try and change Senate rules to avoid democratic delays, and are expected to spend the next few weeks debating how that works.
Russian sanctions
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina is one of Trump’s closest Congressional ally, pushing the president for months and pushing him to help him get his foundation Bipartisan sanctions bill It would impose sudden tariffs on countries that are promoting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by purchasing oil, gas, uranium and other exports. The law has 85 senators backed, but Trump has not yet supported it, and Republican leaders have so far said he won’t move without him.
Graham strengthened his call after Trump Met with Russian President Vladimir Putin And last month, Ukrainian President Voldimir Zelenki was hoping for a peace agreement. Since then, Russia has continued Intensify attacks on Ukraine.
“I think Plan B needs to kick in if this isn’t moving in the right direction before we get back,” Graham said of his bill. In an interview with the Associated Press last month.
CDC monitoring
Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy will appear before the Senate Finance Committee to discuss his healthcare agenda on Thursday, less than a week after he was expelled. Susan Monares As director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several other senior officials also resigned in protest.
Kennedy tried to move forward. Anti-vaccine policy It contradicts decades of scientific research. Monares’ lawyers said they “refused to shoot scientific and reckless instructions and dedicated medical professionals.”
Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, Republican chair of the Help Panel, which oversees the CDC and oversees the Finance Committee, has called on the CDC to delay meetings of external experts who make recommendations on vaccine use until Congress can investigate the issue.
Epstein division
The house left Washington in July Differences among Republicans Whether they should release more information on Jeffrey Epstein’s administration to President Donald Trump’s administration more information on sex trafficking investigations. When lawmakers return, the pressure for more disclosure could be more intense.
Democrats from California and Republican Sen. Thomas Massey from Kentucky are pushing the House to take up the bill to force the Department of Justice to make the investigation public. They are planning a press conference this week with Epstein victims taking part. The House Oversight Committee is also investigating the issue.
Democrats want to keep pushing Epstein’s files, especially after the Trump administration destroys its pledge of transparency. For years, it has been the subject of online conspiracy theories and speculation about whether or not they have been involved in the abuse of wealthy financials.
Biden’s investigation
The House Oversight Committee is back from its August break, with interview slates lined up as part of it. An investigation into the mental state of former President Joe Biden, who is in office. The committee has already conducted interviews and deposits with almost 12 former Top Biden aides and members of the president’s inner circle.
The Republican-led committee hears from former Top Biden staff in September like Biden’s last White House Chief of Staff, former White House Press Secretary Carine Jean Pierre and Top Press aide Andrew Bates.
Monitoring Committee Chair James Kommer, R-Ky. said a full report can be expected between the hearing and the fall.
Stock trading prohibited
Congress has long discussed proposals to prevent lawmakers from trading individual stocks, and nods to the idea that there is a potential conflict of interest when information and decisions that can move dramatically through the market are often known.
That push is gaining momentum now. Senate committee approved the law from Missouri GOP Senator Josh Hawley It also extends the stock trading ban to future presidents and vice presidents, while exempting Trump in particular. In the House, several members have proposed proposals, threatening manipulation over GOP leadership and forcing votes.
Still, there is a lot of resistance to the idea, including from many wealthy lawmakers who enjoy dividends from their portfolios.
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Associated Press authors Matt Brown and Joey Capelletti contributed to the report.
