Congress has returned to session amid a complex agenda that includes the looming threat of a government shutdown, the resolution of the Epstein file discharge petition, and the potential advancement of President Trump’s proposed crime bill and his request for an extension of his D.C. police takeover. Lawmakers are navigating a challenging political landscape, with bipartisan funding negotiations under pressure from Trump’s unilateral actions and Senator Chuck Schumer’s calls for unity. The Epstein file dispute is set to come to a head, while Trump’s push for a comprehensive crime bill and the extension of his D.C. on the D.C. police takeover adds to the tension. Additionally, the issue of stock trading bans and potential Senate rules changes are also on the agenda.
Trump has increased the risk of a government shutdown by moving to unilaterally reclaim approximately $5 billion in foreign aid funding, further straining already fragile bipartisan trust. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has taken a firm stance, sending a Dear Colleague letter to GOP leaders urging them to work across the aisle to secure their support on government funding. In his letter, Schumer emphasized the importance of protecting the legislative branch, stating, “Senate Republicans must decide: stand up for the legislative branch or enable Trump’s slide toward authoritarianism,” and noted that he has aligned with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
The Epstein file discharge petition standoff is expected to reach a critical juncture this week. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) plan to initiate the process of forcing a vote immediately now that lawmakers are back in session. Massie has stated that the issue has not gone away as the speaker had hoped, and that the release of documents by the DOJ has actually increased the momentum for a vote.
Trump’s push for a comprehensive crime bill faces significant challenges, with Senate Democrats likely to block his extension of his 30-day takeover of the D.C. police force, which expires on Sept. 9. Meanwhile, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) is pressing for action on a ban on congressional stock trading, threatening to launch a discharge petition if GOP leaders do not act by the end of September. A group of bipartisan House lawmakers has expressed plans to unveil a separate compromise, but GOP leaders have yet to support any proposed ban.
Republicans are also expected to resume talks on changing Senate rules to expedite the confirmation of Trump’s nominees. Ideas under discussion include reducing debate time for most nominees, confirming nominees in groups, or eliminating the need for procedural votes. These proposed rule changes aim to ensure that Trump’s judicial nominees are confirmed without unnecessary delays.
With the fiscal 2026 Energy-Water funding bill set for consideration by the House Rules Committee on Tuesday, and the fiscal 2026 Labor-HHS-Education funding bill also under review by a House Appropriations subcommittee, Congress is facing an increasingly complex and contentious legislative environment. The combination of financial, legal, and political issues presents a significant challenge for lawmakers as they work to navigate a potentially turbulent legislative session.