Congress returns to stalled agenda as GOP divisions and deadline pile-up loom
6 verified6 unconfirmed1 contested
Congress returns from its Memorial Day recess facing a logjam of legislative priorities, most immediately a stalled budget reconciliation package aimed at providing about $72 billion for immigration enforcement. The package hit a roadblock before the break due to concerns over a Department of Justice fund intended to compensate individuals wronged by the government, with fears it could benefit participants in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche met with senators in a closed-door session to address the issue and is scheduled to testify before a House subcommittee on Tuesday. The package missed the June 1 deadline set by President Donald Trump, and the standoff threatens to push back other key items, including the June 12 deadline to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Lawmakers are also grappling with proposed war powers resolutions related to the ongoing conflict in Iran, with House Democrats expected to push for votes. Additional pressures include a potential affordability-focused legislative package and the annual National Defense Authorization Act.
What’s verified
A budget reconciliation package providing roughly $72 billion for immigration enforcement, primarily for ICE and Border Patrol, stalled due to concerns over a Department of Justice fund.
The DOJ fund is meant to provide payouts to individuals wronged by the government, and critics worry it could benefit participants in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Republican senators in a closed-door meeting about the fund and will appear before a House subcommittee on Tuesday.
The June 12 deadline to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is approaching, with disagreements over warrant requirements and privacy protections.
Lawmakers are facing proposed war powers resolutions related to the conflict in Iran, with House Democrats expected to force votes on the issue.
President Donald Trump set a June 1 deadline for the reconciliation package to reach his desk, which was not met.
Where accounts differ
The size of the Department of Justice fund: One source reports it as nearly $2 billion, while another source reports it as $1.8 billion. No other direct contradictions were identified across the sources.
Not yet confirmed
The status of proposed $1 billion in Secret Service security funding for a White House ballroom, which faced procedural objections from the Senate parliamentarian.
Whether House Republicans will advance a third budget reconciliation package focused on affordability by the end of July.
The specific contents of potential FISA reauthorization legislative text, which some lawmakers want to include language prohibiting a central bank digital currency.
The outcome of a House discharge petition for a bill authorizing $1.3 billion in military aid to Ukraine and new sanctions on Russia.
The schedule and outcome of House votes on Iran and Lebanon war powers resolutions, as well as a potential Senate war powers resolution.
Details of upcoming budget hearings for Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Key figures
President Donald Trump; acting Attorney General Todd Blanche; House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.); Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.); Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah); Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.); Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas); Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.); Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Sources: foxnews.com, rollcall.com
