The Senate returns this week. The House has no floor action planned, but committees will host hearings throughout the week. 

This week will begin a month-long push to enact a stopgap government funding bill before fiscal 2022 funds expire on September 30. Congressional activity will slow greatly in October as the Democratic leadership teams hope to give their members time to campaign and the best chances to retain their slim majorities.

The continuing resolution is necessary because none of the 12 appropriations bills for fiscal 2023 have been enacted. Republicans have signaled support for spending to boost the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster fund and to help Ukraine fight Russia, but there will likely be pushback against President Biden’s call to provide additional money to combat COVID-19 and monkeypox. Another potential roadblock could be inclusion of a measure easing permitting for federal energy projects like natural gas pipelines under the Energy Policy Act. It is a priority for Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), who was told by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) during the negotiations of the Inflation Reduction Act that it would get a vote when the Senate returns. 

The Senate may also consider the $857.5 billion 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. The bipartisan bill would likely be passed in the upper chamber and then sent to a conference committee with the House, which passed its version in July. 

Senate Side

On Tuesday, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of John Z. Lee to be a judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. The chamber will also vote this week on the nomination of Andre Mathis to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

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