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This Week in Congress!

This week, the Senate began floor action on FY2026 spending bills, aiming for bipartisan progress before the August recess. The House continued advancing funding measures as members of Congress face a September 30 deadline to avoid a shutdown, along with voting on a disapproval resolution over rules by the Bureau of Land Management, legislation to increase penalties on individuals who illegally enter the U.S. after being removed, and on amending the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Budget battles, confirmation votes, and oversight issues shaped a busy week on Capitol Hill.

  • Appropriations in Focus: Senate Majority Leader Thune tested his goal of restoring "regular order" to appropriations, teeing up the chamber’s first fiscal 2026 spending package with a procedural vote on the MilCon-VA bill. The Senate advanced four bipartisan bills and considered a minibus package this week.
  • House Stalls on Floor Votes: Despite advancing 11 of 12 appropriations bills through committee, the House has no new floor action planned. Without major progress soon, appropriators are warning a stopgap funding measure or shutdown looms this fall.
  • President Trump Calls to Scrap Recess: President Trump publicly urged Thune to cancel August recess to focus on confirming his nominees adding political pressure to an already packed Senate schedule.
  • Crypto, Chips, and Cuts: Recent actions highlight internal Republican friction as House conservatives delayed crypto legislation due to Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) surveillance fears, and Rep. Moolenaar (R-MI) warned that Nvidia chip sales to China could enhance Beijing's military capabilities.

Balance of Power: Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) officially resigned on Sunday cutting into an already slim House Republican advantage of 219 Republicans to 212 Democrats.