Both the Senate and House are in session this week.  

The House returns from recess beginning with a focus on reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which expires on April 19. Its reauthorization has consistently encountered roadblocks because of the concern that the authority grants U.S. intelligence agencies the ability to review the communications of U.S. citizens who interact with foreign individuals without requiring a warrant. Supporters of reauthorization argue that the provision is necessary to protect national security.  

Congressional leadership is expected to continue negotiating legislation to provide billions in aid to Ukraine and Israel. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) announced his intent to move forward with a foreign aid package, although he has signaled the funding for Ukraine may be in the form of an interest-free loan. Additionally, he has floated the idea of using seized Russian assets to cover the cost as well as requiring any bill to include a rollback of recently imposed restrictions on liquefied natural gas exports. As it now stands, Democrats have expressed consternation over these efforts and have instead advocated for Johnson to move forward with consideration of the Senate-passed version, which was approved with widespread bipartisan support. Speaker Johnson may also need to deal with the threat of a motion to vacate from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) should Johnson rely on Democratic votes to pass any Ukraine aid.  

Additionally, aid to Israel has become increasingly more complicated as a growing number of Democrats voice alarm over Israel’s military campaign and the ongoing humanitarian relief needs in Gaza. This position was further heightened after an Israeli airstrike killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers last week.  

Lawmakers will also begin consideration of a funding request from the Biden Administration to assist with reconstructing the Francis Scott Key Bridge outside Baltimore after it collapsed when struck by a ship that had lost power, killing six construction workers.  

Finally, the Senate also plans to devote time this week to the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, which Republicans moved through the House in February. The upper chamber will likely dispense of the issue quickly given that Democrats and some Republicans remain skeptical of the charges against Mayorkas.  

Administration   On Wednesday, President Biden hosts Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state dinner at the White House. Kishida will then address a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday. Kishida and Biden will also meet with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  

House Side   On Tuesday, the House will meet to consider multiple bills under suspension.  

• Bills expected under suspension of the rules.
  • R. 6492 – EXPLORE Act, as amended (Rep. Westerman – Natural Resources). The legislation would expand access to recreational activities on federal land and water.
  • R. 524 – To amend the Coastal Barrier Resources Act to create an exemption for certain shoreline borrow sites, as amended (Rep. Rouzer – Natural Resources). The legislation would make available federal funding for storm risk management projects that use sand from the coastal barrier system to replenish other beaches.
  • 382 – Puyallup Tribe of Indians Land into Trust Confirmation Act of 2023 (Sen. Cantwell – Natural Resources). The legislation would take into trust three parcels of land owned by the Puyallup Tribe for the benefit of the tribe.
  • R. 1246 – To authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for federally recognized Indian Tribes (Rep. Hageman – Natural Resources).
  • R. 1792 – South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act of 2023, as amended (Del. Radewagen – Natural Resources). The measure would formally implement amendments made in 2016 to a tuna fishing treaty between the United States and 16 Pacific Island countries.
  • R. 1829 – To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Pleasant Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona, as amended (Rep. Crane – Natural Resources).
  • R. 2560 – Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2023, as amended (Rep. Keating – Natural Resources). The measure would require the Commerce Department to establish a grant program to facilitate the recovery, treatment, and release of stranded marine turtles.
  • R. 4389 – Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023, as amended (Rep. Salazar – Natural Resources). The measure would reauthorize $6.5 million annually through fiscal year 2028 to support conservation initiatives related to neotropical migratory birds.
  • R. 6011 – ROWATA Act, as amended (Rep. Valadao – Natural Resources). The bill would require the Agriculture and Interior departments to notify right-of-way applicants for pipeline and other projects on their completion status or any missing information within 90 days of submission.
  • R. 6233 – Community Reclamation Partnerships Act (Rep. LaHood – Natural Resources). The bill would expand through fiscal year 2030 state and community efforts to clean up areas affected by abandoned coal mines would.
  • R. 6443 – Jamul Indian Village Land Transfer Act (Rep. Issa – Natural Resources). The bill would permit the U.S. government to take into trust four parcels of land that are owned by the Jamul Indian Village of California for the benefit of the tribe.
  • R. 6655 – A Stronger Workforce for America Act, as amended (Rep. Foxx – Education and Workforce). The bill would reauthorize through fiscal year 2030 the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
  • House Amendment to 2051 – Missing Children's Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2023 (Sen. Durbin – Education and Workforce). The measure would reauthorize through fiscal year 2028 funding for missing and exploited children’s programs.

  Wednesday – Friday, the House is scheduled to meet for legislative business.  

• Bills expected under a rule.
• R. 529 – Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act (Rep. Waltz – Ways and Means). The legislation would double the customs waters of the United States from 12 to 24 nautical miles offshore, enabling the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations to conduct operations farther off the coast.

• Res. 1112 – Denouncing the Biden Administration's immigration policies (Rep. Tony Gonzales – Judiciary).

• Res. __ – Opposing efforts to place one-sided pressure on Israel with respect to Gaza (Rep. Salazar – Foreign Affairs). The resolution would express opposition to efforts to place “one-sided pressure” on Israel over its efforts in Gaza, including ongoing calls for an immediate ceasefire.

• R. __ – Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act (Rep. Laurel Lee – Judiciary). The legislation would reauthorize for five years electronic surveillance authorities under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Senate Side

On Monday, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Susan Bazis for district judge in Nebraska. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has also scheduled consideration of the judicial nominations of Robert White for the Eastern District of Michigan and Ann Marie McIff Allen of Utah.  

The upper chamber agreed to vote by April 19 on legislation prohibiting the use of funds to implement the Environment Protection Agency’s rule limiting tailpipe emissions.  

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