The latest news, analysis and updates on Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government.
A series of predictable policy deadlines are looming, as various policies take effect, expire or are changed. This week, Congress is expected to consider a number of proposals.
The House will meet in pro forma session at 5 p.m.
Senate Republicans and Democrats continue to negotiate a deal on the fiscal 2026 budget. Senior appropriators are close to agreement on overall spending levels but face the reality that it’s unlikely they can finish all 12 annual appropriations bills before current stopgap funding expires at the end of this month. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has put his team in direct talks with the White House to see if they can make an agreement that would allow the full package of appropriations bills to move forward.
Congressional leaders are also trying to finalize the allocation of subcommittee seats for the remaining appropriations bills. If that doesn’t happen, the process will likely stall as Republicans begin preparing for the midterm elections.
A Texas lawmaker faces a tough reelection fight in his heavily Democratic district. Rep. Doggett’s re-election bid could be complicated by his criticism of President Trump and the GOP’s massive tax bill. Plus, a new study finds that high-income voters are more likely to support politicians who “never met a voter they didn’t like” and provide good constituent services. The study also found that legislators with a focus on public policy are more effective than those who don’t.