Congress is returning to session with several deadlines approaching and ongoing divisions within the Republican Party as the midterm elections approach. Lawmakers left Washington before Memorial Day with plans to pass a significant immigration enforcement funding package, which would have allowed Republicans to address other priorities. However, the budget reconciliation process has stalled due to internal conflicts within the GOP, particularly following a recent initiative from the Trump administration.
The Senate is currently unable to advance the reconciliation package after the Department of Justice announced a nearly $2 billion fund aimed at compensating individuals who believe they have been wronged by the government. This announcement has led to significant concern among Senate Republicans, particularly regarding the potential eligibility of individuals convicted of assaulting police officers during the January 6, 2021, riots.
The House is expected to consider the budget reconciliation bill once it passes the Senate, but other pressing issues are beginning to fill the congressional schedule. Congress must address the June 12 deadline for reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which has faced bipartisan calls for reform.
House conservatives are advocating for changes that would require warrants for surveilling American communications and limit the government's ability to purchase sensitive data without warrants. Meanwhile, Democrats are likely to push for a vote to limit the president's war powers regarding Iran and to authorize military aid to Ukraine, though these measures may face challenges in Congress.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is under pressure to advance a third budget reconciliation package focused on affordability issues before the midterm elections. Congress is also working on the National Defense Authorization Act, which allocates $1.15 trillion for the Pentagon, but this may be delayed by other legislative priorities. With the August recess approaching, the coming weeks are critical for Republicans aiming to advance parts of the Trump agenda.
