The Constitution created a legislative branch called Congress that enacts laws that influence the daily lives of all Americans. Its responsibilities include funding government functions and programs, holding hearings to inform the legislative process, and overseeing the executive branch. Congress convenes in January and March of odd-numbered years for two-year legislative sessions. The current Congress – the 118th – began in 2024 and will conclude on January 3, 2025.
Congress snarls over nominees, funding and rescissions
The discord between Democrats and Republicans in the House is creating a summer of disruptions. House Republicans are facing angry constituents at town halls, including Rep. Bryan Steil in Wisconsin who was booed and jeered for his support of President Trump’s domestic policy agenda. The NRCC discouraged members from hosting in-person town halls earlier this year, but some are now being encouraged to aggressively sell their party’s new law to voters over August recess.
Meanwhile, a small group of Senate Republicans and Democrats are trying to cut a deal on a minibus spending bill. The parliamentarian has already ruled that two of the proposals, cutting the provider tax and banning Medicaid coverage for gender transition services, wouldn’t pass muster under reconciliation rules.
The broader debate over how to fund the government will likely take center stage as lawmakers head back to Washington for their September return to work. Current government funding runs out on Sept. 30, so lawmakers may need to enact a short-term funding extension or other policy tweaks to buy more time.
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