Both chambers of Congress have reconvened for a short pre-midterm session to address several high-priority issues. A stopgap funding bill signed by President Trump eases immediate deadline pressure, but key items remain unresolved, including the stalled NDAA and a GOP Reconciliation package. Lawmakers will also consider Russia sanctions, anti-fraud measures, renewed AI oversight, and possible NIL and cryptocurrency bills. High-profile witnesses, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, are scheduled to appear before Congress this week.
Congress Reconvenes Briefly Before Midterms to Tackle Military Funding, AI Oversight, Sanctions and More
Nathan Howard/Reuters - PHOTO: Birds fly above the dome of the U.S. Capitol as negotiations for the Senate's final votes of the legislative session continue, in Washington, D.C., August 7, 2026.
Lawmakers from both chambers have returned to Washington for a short, high-stakes stretch of legislative work ahead of the November midterm elections — the first time both the House and Senate are in session together since July 23.
The House is meeting for its final full week of business before the election after Speaker Mike Johnson canceled two previously scheduled voting weeks. The Senate remains scheduled for three weeks on the calendar, although Majority Leader John Thune could still send senators home sooner to campaign.
Short-Term Funding Reduces Immediate Deadline Pressure
September often brings urgency around government funding, but lawmakers have eased that immediate pressure by passing a stopgap spending bill that President Donald Trump signed, extending funding through Dec. 11. That move reduces the chance of an immediate fiscal standoff this month, though unresolved measures could pile up for the lame-duck session.
Allison Robbert/AP - PHOTO: Senate Majority Leader John Thune talks to reporters at the Capitol, June 3, 2026.
Military Funding And The NDAA
Military funding is a top priority. Concerns about senior leadership surfaced during the summer after Dan Driscoll resigned as Army secretary, and stretched military resources tied to the war in Iran — now entering its seventh month — have intensified pressure on Capitol Hill. The must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) remains stalled, and Senate Republicans have largely abandoned Reconciliation 3.0, a roughly $95 billion GOP package intended to replenish military accounts, help farmers and include elements of the SAVE America Act.
Although the NDAA does not need final approval until year-end, failure to reach bipartisan agreement now could add to a crowded lame-duck agenda.
Russia Sanctions Vote
House Republicans plan to bring a Russia sanctions bill to the floor next week under a rule allowing passage by a simple majority. That procedural choice signals limited bipartisan support to pass the measure under suspension of the rules, which would require a two-thirds vote.
Aaron Schwartz/Reuters - PHOTO: House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks to reporters before a press conference with Republican House Leadership, on Capitol Hill in Washington, September 1, 2026.
Anti-Fraud Measures
The House also intends to move several anti-fraud proposals before the election, including the Preventing Ripoffs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds Act, additional measures targeting healthcare fraud, and legislation to create a National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice.
Renewed Focus On AI Oversight
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are ramping up attention to artificial intelligence after recent reporting raised significant security concerns. Members have demanded documents from OpenAI and opened investigations, increasing momentum for congressional oversight and potential regulatory measures targeting advanced AI systems.
NIL, Cryptocurrency And Other Legislative Items
The Senate may consider a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) bill as soon as this week. A bipartisan cryptocurrency regulatory bill could also reach the floor, though some Democrats have raised objections that the proposal contains ethics carve-outs that could benefit former President Trump.
Leadership And High-Profile Appearances
Sen. Mitch McConnell’s return to the Capitol remains uncertain after a June 14 fall that hospitalized him; his office did not provide an update. Several senior administration officials aligned with the Trump administration are scheduled for congressional appearances this week: FBI Director Kash Patel will testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will appear before the House Financial Services Committee the same day.
With immediate funding pressure eased, lawmakers still face a concentrated docket — and unresolved items are likely to resurface in the lame-duck session if they remain unsettled.
Help us improve.
