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House Focuses on Defense, Government Funding, and Budget Priorities

The House returned to Washington this week with votes scheduled through Thursday before they depart for the August recess. Republican leadership plans to consider six major measures under a rule requiring a simple majority for passage. Among the highest-profile items on the agenda are the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 8800), a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government from October 1 through December 4, and the FY 2027 budget resolution. Additional legislation received floor consideration including:

  • H.R. 8884, reauthorizing the Social Security Administration’s authority to test improvements to disability insurance programs.
  • H.R. 6955, legislation to modernize regulatory requirements for community banks.
  • H.R. 7008, a proposal to prohibit members of Congress and their immediate families from trading individual stocks.

If the House approves the NDAA and/or the congressional stock trading ban, Republican leadership is expected to attach a Motion to Instruct Conferees incorporating the SAVE America Act before transmitting the measures to the Senate.

In addition to the major legislative package, the House considered 24 bills including: 

  • H.R. 8720, which would update federal rules governing online political campaign donations.
  • Thirteen Energy and Commerce Committee bills, including several reauthorizing federal public health, biomedical research, and healthcare programs.
  • Seven Oversight and Government Reform Committee measures addressing federal procurement and government contracting reforms.

The House adjourned Thursday and will remain in recess until August 31.

Senate Agenda Centers on Nominations and Potential Russia Sanctions

The Senate prioritized confirmation votes on pending administration nominees and considered 

legislation originally championed by the late Sen. Graham (R-SC) that would impose additional sanctions on Russia and could include related sanctions targeting Iran. 

With both chambers preparing to leave for the August recess, members face an ambitious agenda that includes defense authorization, government funding, budget reconciliation, and a series of bipartisan policy measures before Congress adjourns.

The Senate has returned to its full complement of members following the appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to fill the seat previously held by her late brother, Sen. Graham (R-SC). Nordone was sworn in on July 14, restoring the Senate’s party breakdown to 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats.