Congress faces fast-approaching deadlines and dramatics upon their return
House and Senate lawmakers are back in Washington after their August recess, facing a series of crucial battles in the weeks ahead. With deadlines looming on issues such as government funding and the extension of President Trump’s authority over D.C.’s police force, there is a lot at stake for both parties.
Government funding is a top priority, as the House and Senate have just 14 days to reach an agreement before the September 30 deadline. A stopgap measure may be needed to avoid a shutdown, which could have negative consequences for Republicans. Democrats are ready to play hardball, with trust between the parties wearing thin.
On the issue of Epstein files, a bipartisan effort is underway to force a vote on releasing the DOJ’s records. Representatives Massie and Khanna are leading the charge, with a discharge petition expected to move forward this week. Speaker Johnson has criticized the effort, but Khanna is confident they have enough support to force a vote.
Another key issue is President Trump’s hold over D.C.’s police force, which is set to expire this week unless Congress acts to extend it. Trump’s deployment of federal troops into the District has raised concerns, with the possibility of bypassing Congress with a national emergency declaration. House leaders are working on legislation addressing D.C. crime, but the path forward is uncertain.
Senate Republicans are also focused on advancing Trump’s nominees, with 145 on the executive calendar. They are willing to make changes to Senate rules to get their nominees through, including shortening debate times and skipping cloture votes. The Senate GOP will meet this week to discuss proposed rule changes.
As lawmakers return to Washington, the coming weeks are sure to be filled with high-stakes battles and tough decisions. Stay tuned for updates on these critical issues.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, covering the House of Representatives. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind for the latest updates and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
