This Week in Congress
Congress was in session this week. The House considered two bills out of the Judiciary Committee: the Deporting Fraudsters Act (H.R. 1958), which would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify that aliens who have been convicted of defrauding the U.S. Government or unlawful receipt of public benefits are inadmissible and deportable; and the BOWWOW Act (H.R. 4638), which would amend the same law to provide the same treatment to any alien convicted of harming animals used in law enforcement, along with the FY 2026 Homeland Security appropriations bill.
The House also debated 11 measures out of the Natural Resources Committee, including a few bills (H.R. 681, H.R. 3903, H.R. 5910, S. 723) relating to the lease, sale, or mortgage of certain tribal lands; a bill (H.R. 5419) relating to administrative reviews for broadband deployment; and a bill (H.R. 755) to harmonize lists of critical minerals and materials maintained by the federal government. It also includes three bills out of the Education and Workforce Committee relating to human trafficking reporting requirements (H.R. 4307), homeschooling recognition (H.R. 6392), and college tuition rates for residents of U.S. territories (H.R. 6472). The final measure on the list is a joint resolution (H.J. Res. 139) proposing a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Reps. Massie (R-KY) and Khanna (D-CA) forced a vote on a War Powers resolution (H. Con. Res 38) that would terminate the use of U.S. forces against Iran “unless explicitly authorized by a congressional declaration of war” or authorization of the use of military force.
Meanwhile, the Senate voted on the House-passed Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 6644). Additionally, the Senate considered the House-passed Homeland Security appropriations bill and a bill to continue funding Homeland security departments and programs at FY 2025 levels through the remainder of this fiscal year. Finally, the chamber voted on the confirmation of administration nominees, along with Sen. Kaine (D-VA)’s forced vote on a War Powers resolution (S. J. Res 104) that would direct the removal of U.S. armed forces from hostilities within or against Iran.