House Speaker Mike Johnson Confirms House Will Not Adjourn Early

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., stated that lawmakers will not leave Washington early despite a busy schedule before the August recess. In response to a question from Fox News regarding a critical vote scheduled for Tuesday, Johnson simply said, "I will not." This week, he aims to bring a GOP-authored stock trading ban to the floor, alongside a stopgap spending measure to fund the government through the midterm elections, and a defense policy bill for a second consideration. GOP leaders are also working to pass a $95 billion budget framework that includes $73 billion for defense and intelligence funding, amid ongoing concerns from fiscal conservatives about the lack of spending offsets. The House Rules Committee is expected to report out a rule for a procedural vote on these legislative items. Given the slim margins in the House, Johnson can only afford to lose three GOP votes if all members are present. Some House conservatives have expressed their willingness to oppose party-line votes due to various concerns, including dissatisfaction with the SAVE America Act's progress in the Senate. Additionally, Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla., emphasized the need for Congress to remain in session until a short-term funding package and the SAVE America Act are passed.