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This Week In Congress The government shutdown continued, and the Senate returned to session this week; however, Speaker Johnson (R-LA) announced his intention to keep the House in recess until the government reopens, but House Minority Leader Jeffries (D-NY) asked his caucus to return to D.C. again this week. The Senate continued taking votes on…

The Government Shutdown Continues!!! On the evening preceding the government shutdown (Tuesday, September 30), the Senate conducted a second round of votes on both the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) and the alternative proposed by Senate Democrats; however, neither measure attained the requisite 60 votes to advance past a filibuster and move to consideration of the…

IRS Announcements! The Treasury Department has announced that Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), will take on the newly established role of Chief Executive Officer of the IRS while continuing his responsibilities at SSA. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will retain his position as IRS Commissioner. Return to the ASAtoday page to read…

This Week in Congress Government operations were abruptly halted at midnight on Wednesday when the Senate failed to pass either the Republican or Democratic Continuing Resolution (CR). By a vote of 55-45, the Senate defeated the Republican version, which aimed to extend government funding through November 20. Notably, Sen. Paul (R-KY) sided with Democrats in…

Status of FY 2026 Funding: Government Shutdown! The federal government shut down this week, and it will impact all agencies and programs that rely on annual appropriations because Congress has not yet enacted any of the twelve FY 2026 spending bills.  During a shutdown, federal agencies must discontinue all non-essential discretionary functions paid for by…

The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act Rep. Smucker (R-PA) reintroduced the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act.  In addition to Rep. Smucker, the bill is cosponsored by Reps. Amodei (R-NV), Ciscomani (R-AZ), Cuellar (D-TX), Davis (D-NC), Harris (R-MD), Kelly (R-PA), Kennedy (R-UT), McCormick (R-GA), Salazar (R-FL), and Suozzi (D-NY).  The act establishes a targeted,…

SCOTUS Rules on Pocket Rescission The Supreme Court will allow the Trump administration to effectively cancel about $4 billion in congressionally appropriated foreign aid funds. The ruling paused part of a lower court ruling requiring the administration to spend appropriated funds before they expire on Sept. 30. The unsigned order, which drew a dissent from…

New House Party Ratios Last week, Adelita Grijalva was elected to the seat previously held by her father, former-Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), who died earlier this year.  Once she is sworn in, party ratios in the House will be 219 Republicans and 214 Democrats.  Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) will continue to have a two-vote majority.…

This Week in Congress Congress is in recess this week for Rosh Hashanah.Unfortunately, a government shutdown at the end of the month is becoming increasingly likely. Return to the ASAtoday page to read more articles

Status of FY 2026 Funding: Government Funding Running Out! Last Tuesday, House Republican leadership released a draft short-term continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through November 21.  The CR does not include any obvious poison pills, but contrary to GOP messaging, it is not truly “clean.”  Generally, the CR would extend FY 2025 funding…