The House and Senate return to a packed schedule this week after being on recess for the month of August. Most pressing, government funding is set to expire on September 30, but there is virtually no chance that Congress will be able to enact all 12 appropriations bills by then. Thus, a continuing resolution will be necessary to avoid a government shutdown. Last week, President Trump sent a recissions request to Congress attempting to claw back an additional $5 billion in foreign aid, further angering Democrats and increasing the chances of a government shutdown come October 1.
The House will focus this week on the 2026 fiscal year Energy and Water spending bill, which would boost funding for nuclear energy and national security while cutting funds for clean-energy programs. The chamber will also consider three resolutions to cancel Bureau of Land Management resource plans approved by the Biden Administration.
The Senate, meanwhile, will begin its floor process for the annual national defense spending bill, including consideration on hundreds of amendments.
Senate Republicans are expected to initiate an effort this month to change the upper chamber’s rules for nominations to expedite the confirmation process for a large tranche of President Trump’s nominees, which remains a priority for the White House.
Separately, the Administration will likely appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court after a federal appeals court ruled last week that the President exceeded his authority by imposing reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries. President Trump will also host Polish President Karol Nawrocki at the White House later this week.
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