Members of Congress are currently on the campaign trail, leaving much of their work unfinished, with urgent needs following Hurricane Helene. They are set to return to Washington, D.C. to address must-pass legislation such as the farm bill, government funding bills, and defense policy legislation. Additionally, there are bipartisan measures awaiting approval, including online safety bills and a rail safety bill. The reauthorization of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act is also pending, with pressure on House GOP leadership to move forward despite concerns about cost.
The outcome of the November elections will play a significant role in determining what Congress approves during the five-week lame-duck session in November and December. Democratic priorities include disaster response funding, full-year government funding bills, defense policy bill, and the farm bill. Senate and House leaders are working on bridging differences to pass the National Defense Authorization Act and reach an agreement on the farm bill. Lawmakers are hopeful that bipartisan cooperation and a sense of urgency for farmers will lead to progress in these legislative matters.
Senate Democrats believe that a successful outcome in the elections could result in more accomplishments during the lame-duck session, including agreement on government funding legislation and the NDAA. The fate of additional aid for Ukraine will depend on the election results and the level of Democratic success. Overall, the November elections will shape the legislative agenda for Congress during the remaining months of the year.
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