Congress resumes sessions following a month-long August break, with the prospect of a government shutdown looming large.
As Congress returns from its month-long August recess, a busy agenda awaits.
One of the key issues on the table is the fight over President Trump's nominees, with senators expected to resume their debates. Meanwhile, Republicans are ready to attempt changing Senate rules to bypass Democratic delays in nominations.
In health-related news, the resignation of several top officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has caused concern. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy ousted Susan Monarez as director of the CDC. Monarez's lawyers stated she refused to "rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts." Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy has called for a delay in a meeting of outside experts who make recommendations on the use of vaccines.
The Epstein case continues to be a focus for the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating the matter. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie are planning a news conference joined by Epstein victims to push for the Department of Justice to release its investigation.
Congress also needs to pass a short-term spending measure to avoid a government shutdown on Sept. 30. Democrats will want significant concessions to pass a spending extension.
In foreign policy, Trump has notified Congress again that he will block $4.9 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid. This move has been met with warnings from Democrats that such efforts could tank the broader negotiations.
On a bipartisan note, Senator Lindsey Graham is pushing for a sanctions bill against Russia. Meanwhile, Republicans passed legislation this summer that rescinded about $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funds.
Lastly, the House Oversight Committee is conducting interviews and depositions as part of its investigation into former President Joe Biden's mental state while in office. However, the Democrat who would chair the committee conducting this investigation is not named in the provided search results. Currently, James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, is the chair of the committee.
In the midst of these issues, the government shutdown looms on Sept. 30, and it remains to be seen how Congress will navigate this complex and contentious agenda.
