WASHINGTON — House lawmakers returned to Washington on Monday with a narrow legislative agenda, prioritizing a short-term funding bill to avert a government shutdown before the Sept. 30 deadline. The measure would extend federal funding through Dec. 11, providing lawmakers additional time to negotiate longer-term appropriations after the midterm elections.
The House is also preparing to take up a Senate-passed bill imposing sanctions on key Russian economic sectors, including provisions that would allow President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas. The bill, which passed the Senate 86-11 in August, aims to reduce revenue for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. However, some House Democrats oppose the measure over concerns about expanded tariff authorities that could be used against U.S. allies.
House Ethics Committee recommendations are also in focus this week, as lawmakers return amid ongoing investigations into alleged misconduct by two members. The committee has recommended censuring Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., for persistent unprofessional conduct toward two young staffers. Separately, the panel is investigating Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, for alleged domestic violence and drug use, and Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., for alleged sexual misconduct. All three lawmakers have denied the allegations.
Key Legislative Priorities
1. Stopgap Funding Bill to Delay Shutdown
The primary task for House members is advancing a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government at current levels through Dec. 11, avoiding a shutdown ahead of the midterm elections. The Senate approved a bipartisan version of the bill in early August, which includes provisions to:
- Close a loophole allowing the Trump administration to transfer funds within Customs and Border Protection.
- Temporarily block political appointees from canceling federal grants, a measure Democrats argue protects funding for key programs.
House GOP leaders plan to fast-track the vote, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. The measure has bipartisan support, though some Republicans object to provisions delaying a ban on intoxicating hemp products and restricting the administration’s grant authority.
2. Senate-Passed Russia Sanctions Bill Faces House Hurdles
The Russian sanctions bill, led by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., targets critical sectors of Russia’s economy to limit revenue for its war in Ukraine. The legislation passed the Senate 86-11 but faces opposition in the House, where some Democrats argue the bill’s tariff authority is overly broad and could be misused against U.S. allies.
The bill would:
- Impose sanctions on Russia’s banking, defense, and technology sectors.
- Allow Trump to impose tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and gas, with exemptions for allies.
- Require the president to report annually on the impact of sanctions.
Proponents, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., argue the measure is essential to depriving Putin of war funding. Opponents, such as Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., contend the tariff provisions risk alienating allies and overstep executive authority.
Ethics Investigations Overshadow Agenda
The House Ethics Committee has recommended action against three lawmakers, raising questions about accountability in Congress. The investigations include:
- Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C.: Recommended for censure for persistent unprofessional conduct toward two young staffers. Edwards has not publicly addressed the allegations.
- Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio: Under investigation for alleged domestic violence and drug use. Miller has denied the claims.
- Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif.: Facing allegations of sexual misconduct. Gomez has also denied the accusations.
The committee’s recommendations come as lawmakers return from a five-week recess, with some members already campaigning for re-election. The investigations may influence public perception ahead of the November midterms.
What’s Next for Lawmakers
House leaders aim to pass the stopgap funding bill by Tuesday, using a fast-track procedure requiring a two-thirds majority. If successful, lawmakers could adjourn early for the Labor Day recess, returning after the holiday. The Russia sanctions bill remains on the agenda but lacks a scheduled vote, with proponents pushing for action before the midterms.
Lawmakers and aides suggest that larger legislative battles will likely be deferred until after the elections, as campaigning takes precedence. The narrow Republican majority in the House has struggled to advance major legislation, with internal divisions complicating negotiations on spending and foreign policy.