September 28 - SBLC Update

SBLC Hill Update Summary

The Senate is expected to recess by the end of this week, with both chambers returning November 9 after the midterm elections. The election results will shape Congress’s priorities for the year-end legislative session.

Key Congressional Developments

• Protect College Sports Act: The Senate expects a final vote on legislation establishing federal standards for college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. Supporters hope strong Senate approval will encourage House action.

• Ratepayer Protection Act: Republicans are pushing legislation that could require data centers to pay for necessary energy grid upgrades. The bill may receive a Senate vote this week.

• Other potential votes: The Senate may consider legislation addressing congressional stock trading, California vehicle emissions standards, and restrictions on Chinese car sales.

• Pocket rescission: President Trump has proposed canceling approximately $800 million in previously appropriated FY 2026 funding for programs involving immigration services, foreign aid, education, health research, and minority-owned businesses. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins criticized the move as illegal. The dispute is expected to complicate FY 2027 budget negotiations.

• Iran War Powers Resolution: The Senate narrowly rejected a resolution seeking to limit U.S. military action involving Iran.

• Permitting reform: Negotiations on a bill intended to streamline federal permitting and unfreeze wind and solar projects are paused but could resume during the year-end session.

What to Expect During the Lame-Duck Session

Congress returns November 9, with several major issues requiring action before the end of the year. Key priorities include:

• FY 2027 government funding: Congress must pass appropriations bills or extend funding beyond the December 11 deadline to avoid a shutdown.

• National defense: Passage of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

• Infrastructure: Surface transportation reauthorization and the Water Resources Development Act.

• Trade: Extension of the Export-Import Bank’s authority, which expires December 31.

• Agriculture: Farm Bill action.

• Regulatory and national security matters: Reauthorization of FISA Section 702 surveillance authorities and extensions of EPA chemical-manufacturer fee collection and federal oil and gas permitting fees.

Congress is unlikely to address every outstanding bill individually. Leadership will probably combine priorities into one or two large legislative packages, with bipartisan compromises determining what passes. The outcome of the midterm elections will significantly influence negotiations.

Upcoming Congressional Activity

House: Remains in recess until November 9.

Senate: Expected to consider the Protect College Sports Act, Ratepayer Protection Act, potential restrictions on congressional stock trading, resolutions concerning California vehicle emissions standards, and presidential nominees. Democrats may also seek a vote on a resolution requiring State Department reporting on violence in the West Bank.

Committee hearings: Scheduled topics include oversight of Special Counsel Jack Smith, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office oversight, and national security risks associated with rogue AI agents.

Key Takeaway

The November elections will shape Congress’s year-end agenda. Government funding, defense authorization, infrastructure, trade, and regulatory deadlines will compete for limited legislative time. Disputes over the administration’s proposed funding rescission could further complicate budget negotiations.

Source: https://sblc.org/