House and Senate Action
Congress returns from its summer break today, though both chambers are only scheduled to be in session for three weeks. Starting on September 27th (or perhaps sooner), lawmakers will recess once again for the final stretch of campaign season. The most pressing business for congressional leaders is to pass a bill to fund the federal government beyond September 30. The House and Senate are still far apart on their fiscal year 2025 spending measures and will wait until after Election Day to resume negotiations on a formal budget deal. In the near-term, they'll have to pass a short-term spending patch to avoid a government shutdown.
This week, the House will consider a Republican-led measure that would pair a six-month Continuing Resolution (CR) with a bill (the SAVE Act) that would require proof of citizenship before an individual can be registered to vote in federal elections. For their part, House and Senate Democrats have balked at the offer, preferring a stopgap funding patch that expires in December. In fact, at this point, it’s not yet clear whether Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) will have enough votes within his own conference to advance the measure.
In addition to the CR, the House this week will vote on a number of measures to crack down on China, including legislation (H.R. 9456) that would ban foreign adversaries from purchasing agricultural lands in the U.S.
Across the Capitol, senators are set to vote on confirming more of Biden’s judicial nominees.
Here is a report prepared by Paragon Government Relations outlining a number of key issues that could see action this Fall.
Relevant Hearings and Markups
House Transportation and Infrastructure: On Wednesday morning, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment will meet to examine the Biden Administration’s implementation of its revised rule defining “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act and its impacts on states and stakeholders. More information on the hearing can be found here.
House Natural Resources: On September 6, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a field hearing titled in the Central Valley to examine the state’s water supply operations. Additional information on the hearing, including an archived webcast and a memo prepared by committee staff, can be accessed here. On Wednesday morning, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources will hold a legislative hearing on a discussion draft that proposes reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). More details on the hearing are available here.
Senate Energy and Natural Resources: On Wednesday afternoon, the Subcommittee on Water and Power will receive testimony on a slate of bills within the panel’s jurisdiction. Additional details on the markup can be accessed here.