It rained plenty last week in the nation’s capital during the last week of Congress’ recess. But as lawmakers return, the only thing they’ll find at the end of any rainbow is a cavalcade of outstanding issues to address.
Foreign aid: Watch Speaker Mike Johnson this week for any indication of how he plans to proceed on a foreign aid package aimed at helping Ukraine and Israel, as he’s floated “innovations” to garner more GOP support for the legislation.
DHS impeachment: The Senate returns tonight and will vote to advance the nomination of a Nebraska federal judicial nominee. However, the week’s real action kicks off Wednesday, when the chamber is expected to receive the articles of impeachment against Alejandro Mayorkas.
One key thing to watch Monday night: Any signs of senatorial attendance issues, as Democrats mull whether to try and speedily end the Homeland Security secretary impeachment trial on a majority-threshold vote. Any major absences could complicate that math.
Surveillance authority: Over in the House, the chamber intends to move legislation to reauthorize a controversial surveillance authority, known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The House Rules Committee intends to meet on Tuesday to consider the pending bill.
The House returns to Washington for its first votes of the week on Tuesday.
