Public Policy Network

Government shutdowns are unpopular among voters and negatively impact federal employees. "Essential" workers must continue working without pay until the government reopens, while other workers will be furloughed but are guaranteed to receive retroactive pay following enactment of the Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019.

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Congress is back in Washington this week after over a month-long recess. Many members reflect on August as being their favorite month as it allows them to connect with so many constituents and truly understand the impact Washington is having back home.

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Republican lawmakers have successfully navigated the complexities of maintaining unity within narrow majorities in Congress to advance many of President Trump’s key priorities. This includes the passage of a comprehensive tax reform bill, referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and a $9 billion rescissions bill. 

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Presidential administrations often encounter unforeseen events that can significantly alter the trajectory and priorities of their term. The recent U.S. military strikes in Iran have temporarily shifted focus away from President Trump's domestic agenda. As Congress reconvenes for a brief period before another recess, security briefings are dominating the schedule, detracting from negotiations on the tax bill.  

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House Republicans have once again managed to maintain cohesion within their caucus and passed the significant tax bill through reconciliation. The bill, named the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” incorporates many of President Trump’s priorities.

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Congress took its first two-week recess since President’s Trump’s inauguration. Most members of Congress spent the time meeting with constituents. Being in-district often has a profound impact as constituents bring a different angle far from the daily headlines, and voters are ultimately the most important audience.

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Congress was able to find a path to fund the government through Sept. 30 with some Democrats joining Republicans to avoid a government shutdown. Partisan tensions, however, have shown no sign of abating as the Trump Administration looks to pause or rescind Congressionally appropriated funding to specific departments and projects. Judicial challenges to that authority have begun and are expected to reach the Supreme Court at some point.

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The Trump Administration has been in office for just over 30 days. The dizzying pace of executive orders makes it seem as though the White House is the center of all activity. But major negotiations have been taking place at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue as Congress stares down a quickly approaching federal funding deadline on March 14.

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