This Week in Congress

The Senate voted on legislation to repeal the authorizations for use of military force against Iraq, along with nomination votes.  As highlighted last week, the Senate’s voting agenda is stalled by the continued absence of Sen. Fetterman (D-PA), who continues his inpatient treatment for depression, along with Sen. Feinstein (D-CA), who is not expected back as she recovers from shingles and Sen. McConnell (R-KY) has been receiving physical therapy after a fall.  Senate Republicans are expected to force a vote this month on a House passed legislation that would repeal the Biden administration’s "Waters of the United States" rule. The measure requires only a simple majority for passage and has the support of the GOP conference and Sen. Manchin (D-WV).

On Monday and Tuesday, the House Republicans were on their legislative retreat in Orlando contemplating their agenda, which included the debt limit, cutting government spending, investigations into President Biden, the energy package, and other issues to be addressed in the 118th Congress. On Wednesday, the House voted on parental rights legislation that would require school districts to publicly post their curriculum, provide parents a list of books available in the school library, and ensure parents’ consent before any medical exam takes place at the school.  Also, the chamber considered a vote to override a veto President Biden promised on legislation to block the Labor Department from enforcing its new ESG retirement investing rule. The rule permits private-sector workplace retirement plans to consider ESG factors when selecting and monitoring investments on behalf of participants and beneficiaries.

Finally, Speaker McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Schumer do not agree on much, but neither of them is in a rush to push legislation addressing the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank.  In the coming weeks, the House and Senate will instead focus on hearings exploring the root causes of the collapses.