Special Recess Edition — May 6, 2026
Congress is currently in recess and returns Monday, May 11. This special mid-recess edition covers three significant developments that occurred after the May 1 end-of-session summary:
The Supreme Court issued a landmark 6–3 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, effectively gutting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and potentially reshaping the congressional map heading into the 2026 midterms.
The White House sent a formal letter to Congress declaring U.S. military hostilities against Iran "terminated" — a disputed legal move designed to reset the War Powers Act clock, even as the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues.
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted for the second time, charged with making a threat against the President by posting a photograph of seashells on a beach.
The regular daily summary will resume when Congress returns on May 11.
This Congressional Floor Summary is a (mostly) daily briefing on U.S. House and Senate floor activity — bills scheduled, votes taken, nominations pending, and the legislative horizon ahead. It is produced by Lens and Mix, LLC using AI-assisted research and will be updated on days Congress is in session.
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While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, this summary is generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and should not be relied upon as a definitive legal or legislative record. Always verify critical information against official sources including Congress.gov, the Senate Daily Press, and the House Majority Leader's schedule.
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119th Congress · 2nd Session
U.S. Congressional Floor Summary
U.S. Congressional Floor Summary
Congressional Floor Summary
House & Senate · Daily Legislative Report
Curated and produced by Lens and Mix, LLC using AI-assisted research
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Recess Edition · Congress returns Monday May 11
Recess edition — week of May 5: Congress is in recess until Monday May 11, but the week has not been quiet. Three major developments reshaped the legislative and political landscape: (1) The Supreme Court issued a 6–3 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais effectively gutting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and striking down majority-minority congressional districts — potentially shifting as many as 19 House seats toward Republicans before the 2026 midterms; (2) The White House sent a letter to Congress declaring the Iran hostilities "terminated" while maintaining a naval blockade, resetting the War Powers clock and avoiding a constitutional confrontation; and (3) Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted for the second time, charged with posting a photo of seashells on a beach that prosecutors said amounted to a threat against President Trump. Congress returns Monday to the reconciliation May 15 deadline, FISA June 12 deadline, and a Farm Bill still awaiting a Rules Committee solution.
🔄 Significant recess developments (May 1–6):
- Supreme Court — Louisiana v. Callais decided 6–3 (Wed Apr 30/Thu May 1): The conservative supermajority effectively gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, ruling that Louisiana's second majority-Black congressional district was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Justice Alito wrote the majority; Justice Kagan dissented forcefully. Within one hour of the decision, the Florida House approved an aggressive gerrymander potentially flipping 4 Democratic seats. Mississippi called a special legislative session. Alabama's Ivey called a special session to move the May 19 primary. Experts estimate up to 19 additional Republican-leaning House seats could be drawn by 2028. Purcell doctrine limits changes before November 2026 elections in most states, but some states (Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi) are moving immediately.
- Iran — White House declares hostilities "terminated" (Fri May 1): The White House sent a formal letter to Congress declaring "The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated" — even as the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues and Iran has not accepted the terms. Defense Secretary Hegseth argued the April 7 ceasefire "pauses or stops" the 60-day clock. Johnson deflected War Powers questions: "We are not at war." The move is designed to avoid the congressional authorization confrontation. Democrats and Collins rejected the argument. Sen. Schiff: "The president must terminate this use of force until Congress says otherwise." The Iran conflict continues — gas above $4/gallon nationally; Brent crude above $100/barrel.
- Comey indicted for second time: Former FBI Director James Comey indicted for posting a photo of seashells arranged on a beach that prosecutors said constituted a threat against President Trump. Comey denied the charge. The indictment is separate from earlier charges. A significant political flashpoint heading into the week of May 11.
- Reconciliation on track — committees writing ICE/CBP bill: Senate Homeland Security/Governmental Affairs and Judiciary Committees are writing the reconciliation bill to fund ICE and CBP. May 15 deadline. Trump posted that "Reconciliation is ON TRACK." Graham: "very tailored, focused package."
- TSA staffing crisis — 1,100 workers quit during DHS shutdown: Despite the shutdown ending April 30, the TSA is dealing with a staffing hole — 1,100 officers resigned during the 76-day shutdown. Delta Airlines called for a separate funding guarantee to ensure TSA and FAA workers keep getting paid in any future shutdown.
🗓 Legislative Horizon
Major initiatives expected in the weeks ahead & remainder of the 119th Congress (ends Jan 3, 2027)
Now — 2026 midterms
Supreme Court — VRA Section 2 Ruling · Louisiana v. Callais · 6–3
The Supreme Court's 6–3 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais (April 30) effectively guts Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which had required states to draw majority-minority districts to protect minority voter representation. Justice Alito's majority held that race-based district drawing is constitutionally impermissible absent the narrowest justification. Florida immediately enacted a new gerrymander; Mississippi and Alabama called special sessions. Estimates suggest up to 19 additional Republican-favoring House seats could be drawn by 2028. The Purcell doctrine limits most states from making changes before November 2026 — but Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi are moving now. Congressional Democrats have no legislative path to pass a new VRA or fix. The ruling will dominate redistricting politics through the 2030 census.
Immediate: FL/LA/MS redrawing now. Most states: changes take effect 2028. Congress: no path to legislate fix with current majority.
This week
FISA Sec. 702 Reauthorization
Extended as P.L. 119-86 through June 12 — 45-day clean extension signed Thursday. The 3-year deal (S.1318 with CBDC ban) remains unresolved. Senate cannot pass the CBDC permanent ban (needs 60 votes). House conservatives may not accept S.1318 without CBDC. Key question heading into recess: can Thune and Johnson find a compromise that satisfies both chambers? Wyden/Lee bipartisan warrant-requirement alternative still being discussed. New effective negotiating deadline: ~June 12 (72-hour posting rule). Congress returns May 11 with 35 days to spare. House passed S.1318 (3-year) 235–191 Wednesday — but CBDC ban attached is dead on arrival in Senate (needs 60 votes). Thune is likely sending back a clean 45-day extension, which the House can accept under the suspension provision in Wednesday's rule. If a 45-day extension passes both chambers today, new deadline: ~June 15. The 3-year deal negotiations resume after recess with the CBDC question still unresolved. If nothing passes tonight: FISA lapses for the first time in its history.
June 12 deadline. 37 days. CBDC standoff must resolve. Effective deal deadline ~June 9. Negotiations resume May 11.
Today
Iran War Powers Act — May 1 Statutory Deadline · Operation Epic Fury
White House declared hostilities "terminated" May 1 — but naval blockade continues. Administration argues ceasefire resets the clock. Democrats and 4 Republican senators reject this framing. Next flashpoint: Wicker Armed Services hearing in May and continued War Powers votes. Iran has offered Strait of Hormuz reopening; negotiations ongoing. The 60-day War Powers clock that began March 2 expires today. Tuesday's 6th Senate vote reportedly failed 52–48 — the narrowest margin yet. Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. lifting its naval blockade. Navy Secretary Phelan announced he is leaving the administration. Trump's options: (1) invoke the 30-day withdrawal notification unilaterally — buying until May 31; (2) seek a formal AUMF (no sign of that); (3) argue ceasefire days don't count toward the 60. Democrats have more resolutions queued. Collins, Murkowski, Tillis, Curtis still pressing for a congressional vote. If Trump simply ignores the deadline without invoking the 30-day notice, a constitutional confrontation is possible.
White House reset clock via "terminated" declaration. Legal confrontation possible. More War Powers votes week of May 11.
DHS shutdown ENDED after 76 days — P.L. 119-85 signed April 30. The $10B rainy day emergency fund is depleted by end of this week — 270,000 workers including Secret Service agents face missed paychecks. The WHCD shooting has put the Secret Service funding crisis in stark relief. Non-ICE/CBP agencies funded through Sept. 30. ICE/CBP on reconciliation track — Bacon and swing-district Republicans pressing Johnson; and reconciliation for ICE/CBP (still needs House to adopt S.Con.Res. 33). Johnson has still not brought the Senate bill to the floor. Rep. Roy wants the reconciliation bill to include a "secure ballroom on White House grounds" and other non-DHS items.
Shutdown ended Apr 30. ICE/CBP reconciliation bill due May 15. Final bill → June 1 target.
Weeks ahead
Reconciliation 2.0 — ICE & Border Patrol Funding
Senate adopted S.Con.Res. 33 50–48 April 23. House Rules Committee had the resolution in its package Monday night but adjourned without acting. Rules reconvening today. House Budget Chair Arrington pushing to expand scope. Conservative Rep. Roy wants to add "secure ballroom on White House grounds," SAVE Act, transgender/abortion funding restrictions, and a third reconciliation bill. If House amends the resolution, it returns to Senate for another vote-a-rama. Committees have until May 15 to draft the actual bill once resolution is adopted. Trump's June 1 target is slipping.
House Rules must act this week. Expansion demands vs. tight timeline. June 1 target now in doubt.
Coming months
Iran AUMF / Supplemental Defense Funding
U.S. military operations against Iran are approaching the 60-day War Powers Act threshold. Some Republicans (Hawley, Tillis) are calling for a formal AUMF. Democrats are pushing for a vote to define the scope of operations. Pentagon has signaled a supplemental funding request is coming — potentially $200B+. No formal AUMF introduced yet.
Politically explosive; bipartisan discomfort growing as conflict extends.
Coming months
FY2027 Appropriations & Budget Process
The new fiscal year begins October 1, 2026. Budget hearings are underway this week (OMB Director Vought testifying April 16). The Administration is requesting $1.15 trillion in base defense spending plus $350B in supplemental defense reconciliation. The FY2026 shutdown history makes timely FY2027 passage a long shot — another continuing resolution or shutdown is a realistic possibility.
Fiscal year deadline: October 1, 2026.
Coming months
"One Big Beautiful Bill" — Senate Action
The House passed H.R. 1 (the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act") in May 2025 by 215–214. It encompasses tax cuts (~$4.5T over 10 years extending TCJA provisions), Medicaid work requirements, SNAP changes, border security funding, and a $4T debt limit increase. The Senate is now working through it under reconciliation rules with extensive amendment debates. Trump demanded passage by June 1.
Senate passage on a razor-thin timeline; internal GOP divisions over Medicaid cuts remain.
Later in session
Debt Ceiling
H.R. 1 includes a $4 trillion debt limit increase (from $36.1T to $40.1T). If the bill passes, this buys runway through roughly late 2026 or early 2027. If it stalls, the debt ceiling becomes a separate crisis point — Treasury has been using extraordinary measures since early 2025. CBO projects the current ceiling could be reached as early as fall 2026.
Deadline contingent on H.R. 1 passage; independent crisis possible if reconciliation stalls.
Ongoing
SAVE America Act (Voter ID)
Senate Democrats are filibustering this House-passed voter ID bill. Republicans lack 60 votes for cloture and Majority Leader Thune has declined to change Senate rules. The bill is effectively stalled but Republicans are continuing floor debate for political messaging ahead of the 2026 midterms. Passage considered highly unlikely without a rules change.
More a campaign issue than a legislative one at this point.
Fall 2026
2026 Midterm Elections — Session Deadline
The 119th Congress ends January 3, 2027. All bills not enacted by that date expire. The November 2026 midterms will determine the composition of the 120th Congress. Republicans currently hold a narrow House majority (218–214) and a 53–47 Senate majority. Any bills not passed before election-year recess schedules shrink the legislative calendar significantly.
Effective legislative window closes by ~September 2026 as campaign season dominates.
U.S. House of Representatives
Majority Leader: Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) · Speaker: Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) · In recess until May 11
Louisiana v. Callais — SCOTUS
Supreme Court — Voting Rights Act Section 2 Ruling · 6–3
⚠ Major · Up to 19 House seats could shift R · States acting now
The conservative Supreme Court supermajority ruled 6–3 that Louisiana's second majority-Black congressional district was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Justice Alito's majority held that "the Constitution almost never permits" racial discrimination in district drawing. Justice Kagan dissented: the ruling "will set back the foundational right Congress granted of racial equality in electoral opportunity." Within one hour of the decision: the Florida House approved a new gerrymander potentially flipping 4 Democratic seats (Castor, Soto, Moskowitz, Wasserman Schultz). Mississippi called a special legislative session. Alabama began moving its May 19 primary. Experts estimate up to 19 additional Republican-leaning House seats could be drawn by 2028. The Purcell doctrine limits most changes before November 2026, but Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi are moving now. Congressional Democrats are calling for a legislative response — a new VRA or emergency legislation — but have no path to pass it.
H.R. 7567
Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
Back to Rules Committee · Targeted for week of May 11
Leadership is working during recess to resolve the E15 ethanol and MAHA pesticide objections that caused the bill to be pulled April 30. The five-year farm bill reauthorization (overdue since 2018) is targeted for a floor vote the week of May 11. Democrats have called the SNAP cuts the largest in U.S. history. The E15 ethanol provision remains a flashpoint between corn-state Republicans (who want it) and those worried about higher fuel costs. Seven Democrats on the Agriculture Committee voted for the bill in March, giving a potential bipartisan path if Republican holdouts can be satisfied.
Reconciliation — watch May 15
ICE/CBP Reconciliation Bill — Senate committees writing · Due May 15
⚠ May 15 Senate committee deadline · House must then act
The Senate Homeland Security/Governmental Affairs and Judiciary Committees are writing the actual reconciliation legislation to fund ICE and CBP. Reporting deadline: May 15 — nine days away. Once Senate committees deliver text, the full Senate must vote (another vote-a-rama), then the House acts, then Trump signs. His June 1 target is extremely tight. House members will be watching Senate committee text closely for Byrd Rule vulnerabilities that Democrats could use to strip provisions.
FISA — June 12 deadline
FISA Section 702 — 3-Year Deal Negotiations Ongoing
⚠ June 12 deadline · CBDC standoff unresolved
FISA negotiations are expected to resume in earnest the week of May 11. The CBDC ban remains the central obstacle — it was the price of getting House conservatives to vote yes on S.1318, but Senate Democrats have the votes to filibuster any bill with a permanent CBDC ban (needs 60 Senate votes). Options: drop the CBDC ban and rely on a different sweetener for House conservatives; pass the CBDC ban separately as its own bill first; or another short-term patch. Effective deal deadline under the 72-hour posting rule: ~June 9.
U.S. Senate
Majority Leader: Sen. John Thune (R-SD) · Minority Leader: Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) · In recess until May 11
War Powers — White House letter
White House Declares Iran Hostilities "Terminated" · Resets War Powers Clock
⚠ Controversial legal move · Naval blockade continues · Democrats reject
The Trump administration sent a letter to Congress on May 1 declaring that U.S. military hostilities against Iran have "terminated" — a legal argument designed to reset the War Powers Act clock and avoid a constitutional confrontation over congressional authorization. Defense Secretary Hegseth argued the April 7 ceasefire pauses the 60-day deadline. But the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues, Iran has not accepted any peace terms, and Democrats along with Sens. Collins, Murkowski, Tillis, and Curtis have rejected the "terminated" framing. Johnson deflected questions: "We are not at war." Sen. Schiff: "The president must terminate this use of force until Congress says otherwise." Democrats will force more War Powers votes when Congress returns. Wicker (Armed Services) has planned a public hearing on Operation Epic Fury "sometime in May."
Reconciliation — drafting
ICE/CBP Reconciliation Bill — Senate Committees Writing
⚠ May 15 reporting deadline · 9 days away
Senate committees are writing the ICE/CBP reconciliation bill during the recess with a May 15 reporting deadline. Graham is keeping it narrow to minimize Byrd Rule vulnerabilities — Democrats will try to strip any non-budgetary provisions via point of order. Trump posted "ON TRACK" on Truth Social. Once committees deliver text, Thune must schedule a Senate floor vote-a-rama, then the House acts, then Trump signs. The June 1 target requires everything to go perfectly. Most analysts now expect a late June or early July signing date at the earliest.
DOJ — Comey indictment
Former FBI Director James Comey — Second Indictment
Charged with threatening the President · Seashell photo
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted for the second time during the recess, charged with making a threat against the President by posting a photo of seashells arranged on a beach — which prosecutors argued constituted a coded threat. Comey denied the charge. The indictment is being seen by Democrats as politically motivated — the latest in a string of DOJ actions against Trump critics. Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee are expected to raise the Comey indictment at the first available hearing after Congress returns.
Week of May 11 — Preview
Congress Returns — Key Agenda Items
Returns Monday May 11 · Packed first week back
Congress returns Monday May 11 to one of the heaviest single-week agendas of the session: the reconciliation May 15 deadline lands that very week; the Farm Bill needs another Rules Committee pass; FISA negotiations must produce a deal framework before June 9 (72-hour rule); Sen. Wicker's first public Armed Services hearing on Operation Epic Fury is expected; and House and Senate Democrats will force War Powers votes responding to the White House's "terminated hostilities" declaration. The SCOTUS VRA ruling will dominate Democratic messaging and may produce emergency legislation, though passage is impossible in this Congress. Trump's approval ratings are at a session low amid Iran war costs — $4/gallon gas and 13 service members killed.
📎 Primary Sources & Reference Links
live.house.govReal-time House floor activity, votes & transcript
Senate Floor ActivityDaily Senate floor log & webcast
House Majority Leader ScheduleOfficial weekly House floor schedule
Senate Daily PressDay-by-day Senate schedule & activity log
GovTrack.usBill tracker, alerts, status & voting records
Congress.govOfficial Library of Congress bill database
House Clerk Floor SummaryOfficial House floor activity summary
Senate Active LegislationCurrently active Senate bills & resolutions
Committee ScheduleWeekly House & Senate committee hearings
FastDemocracyProfessional bill tracking & AI transcripts
May 2026
May 1
WH Letter
Disputed
White House declares Iran hostilities "terminated" · War Powers clock reset disputed
White House sent formal letter to Congress declaring hostilities "terminated" even as naval blockade continues. Administration argues April 7 ceasefire pauses the 60-day clock. Democrats and 4 Republican senators rejected the framing. War Powers confrontation deferred.
Apr 30
SCOTUS
6–3
Louisiana v. Callais — Supreme Court 6–3 · VRA Section 2 gutted
Conservative supermajority struck down Louisiana's 2nd majority-Black congressional district. Effectively nullifies VRA Section 2 majority-minority district requirements. Florida immediately enacted new gerrymander. Up to 19 House seats could shift R by 2028. Kagan dissent called it "setting back racial equality in electoral opportunity."
May 3
Indictment
Indicted
Former FBI Director James Comey — Second Indictment
Indicted for posting a photo of seashells on a beach that prosecutors said amounted to a threat against President Trump. Comey denied the charge. Second indictment of Comey this session. Democrats called it politically motivated.
April 2026
Apr 30
Enacted
Signed
P.L. 119-85 — DHS Appropriations (Non-ICE/CBP) · 76-day shutdown ended
House passed by voice vote; Trump signed Thursday afternoon. Funds TSA, Secret Service, Coast Guard, FEMA, CISA, and all non-immigration DHS agencies through Sept. 30. Longest agency-level shutdown in U.S. history ended. ICE/CBP on reconciliation track.
Apr 30
Enacted
Signed
P.L. 119-86 — FISA Section 702 45-Day Extension (3rd short-term patch)
Senate stripped CBDC ban, passed unanimously. House passed 261–111. Trump signed. New expiration: ~June 15. Third FISA short-term patch this session (Apr 18, Apr 30). 3-year deal still unresolved.
Apr 29
Confirmed
59–39
Robert Cekada — ATF Director · Confirmed 59–39
Bipartisan: 7 Democratic caucus members voted yes. First ATF director confirmed by a Republican president. Announced 34 regulatory reforms same day, including rescission of Biden-era pistol brace rule.
Apr 29
Passed House
235–191
Passed House 235–191. 42 Democrats yes, 22 Republicans no. CBDC ban attached dead on arrival in Senate — 45-day extension likely instead. FISA expires tonight.
Apr 29
Adopted
215–211
House adopted 215–211 party-line. Both chambers now adopted — reconciliation formally launched. Senate committees write ICE/CBP funding bill by May 15.
Apr 29
Rule passed
216–210
H.Res. 1224 — Rule for FISA + Farm Bill + Reconciliation
Rule passed 216–210 after 2+ hours open. Luna went no → present → yes after SAVE Act commitment. Rep. McGovern: "S---show."
Apr 29
Joint Address
Joint session
King Charles III — Address to Joint Session of Congress
First British monarch to address Congress since 1991. Came amid UK-US tariff tensions. Johnson presided.
Apr 27
Cloture invoked
Cloture invoked
Robert Cekada — ATF Director · Cloture invoked Mon
Cloture invoked on nomination. Confirmation vote scheduled today Apr 28. Expected party-line confirmation.
Apr 25
Shooting
1 agent wounded
White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting — Washington Hilton
Cole Tomas Allen fired shots at security screening area outside WHCD. One Secret Service agent struck in vest, expected to recover. Trump, Vance, Cabinet evacuated. Allen arrested; charged with attempted assassination of the President. Manifesto cited "Friendly Federal Assassin." Galvanized DHS funding urgency.
Apr 23
Passed House
Passed
Geothermal energy bill passed the House Thursday. Waives NEPA review for certain federal land geothermal activities. Bipartisan support. Sent to Senate.
Apr 23
Cloture filed
Cloture filed
Thune filed cloture on motion to proceed to S. 4344 immediately after budget resolution passed. Cloture vote possible as early as Monday Apr 27. Senate's FISA fallback now formally in motion.
Adopted 50–48 at ~3:30 a.m. after 5-hour vote-a-rama. Murkowski and Rand Paul voted against with all Democrats. Graham amendment (violent criminal deportation) passed 98–0. All Democratic policy amendments failed. Now heads to House for adoption.
Apr 22
Failed
46–51
Sponsored by Sen. Baldwin (D-WI). Failed 46–51. Fetterman (D) voted no; Paul (R) voted yes — consistent with all prior votes. Grassley, McCormick, Warner absent. War Powers Act 60-day deadline arrives next week.
Senate voted 52–46 on strict party lines to proceed to the FY2026 budget resolution for ICE/CBP reconciliation. Instructs committees to draft $70B in immigration enforcement funding by May 15. Vote-a-rama expected Wed or Thu.
Apr 21
Resigned
Effective 1:30 p.m.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) — Resigned
Resigned at 1:30 p.m., minutes before her House Ethics Committee sanctions hearing. Third member to resign in under two weeks (after Swalwell D-CA and Gonzales R-TX last week). House now 218R–213D, 4 open seats.
Andrew B. Davis — U.S. District Judge, W.D. Texas
Confirmed 47–46. Collins (R) voted no. Seven senators not voting: Daines, Fetterman, Grassley, Murkowski, Risch, Sheehy, Warner. Third Trump W.D. Texas judge confirmed this session.
Apr 20
On Calendar
Rule XIV
Placed on Senate Calendar via Rule XIV by Majority Leader Thune. Senate formally positioned to take lead on longer-term FISA deal before April 30 deadline.
Apr 20
Passed
Voice vote
S.Res. 681 — Resolution honoring Chuck Norris
Adopted by voice vote. Memorial resolution for the late actor and martial artist.
Apr 18
Enacted
Signed
Signed into law Saturday by President Trump. Extends FISA Section 702 through April 30. Followed three failed House floor votes (18-month, 5-year, rule) Thursday night. Both chambers passed by unanimous consent.
Apr 16
Failed
47–52
Motion to discharge from Senate Foreign Relations Committee failed. Democrats could not win Republican crossover votes needed to force the bill to the floor.
Apr 16
Passed Senate
50–49
Passed Senate 50–49. Collins and Tillis (R) voted against; Hawley not voting. Sent to House. Would reverse Biden-era withdrawal of Iron Range federal lands from mining.
Apr 16
Cloture invoked
49–48
Andrew B. Davis — U.S. District Judge, W.D. Texas
Cloture invoked 49–48 on Trump judicial nominee. Confirmation vote scheduled no earlier than Monday April 20.
Apr 15
Failed
36–63
Motion to discharge from Foreign Relations Committee failed. Would have directed disapproval of U.S. arms sales to Israel.
Apr 15
Passed
51–49
Congressional Review Act disapproval of Biden-era Bureau of Land Management withdrawal of federal lands in Cook, Lake & St. Louis Counties, MN. Passed Senate; sent to House.
Apr 14
Confirmed
Party-line
John Thomas Shepherd — U.S. District Judge, W.D. Arkansas
Trump judicial nominee confirmed by Senate. Part of ongoing judicial confirmation pipeline.
Apr 13
Enacted
Signed
Signed April 13, 2026. Addresses small business innovation programs and economic security provisions.
Apr 8
Ceasefire
—
Iran–U.S. Ceasefire Takes Effect (Operation Epic Fury)
After 40 days of combat operations, a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan took effect. U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports imposed Apr 13 after peace talks in Islamabad collapsed. No AUMF passed by Congress.
March 2026
Mar 24
Confirmed
—
Markwayne Mullin — Secretary of Homeland Security
Sen. Mullin (R-OK) confirmed as DHS Secretary and resigned from Senate. Alan Armstrong appointed to fill his seat.
Mar 12
Passed Senate
82–11
Bipartisan housing supply bill passed Senate 82–11 with substitute amendment (S.Amdt. 4308). Returned to House with changes; House has not yet acted on Senate version.
February 2026
Feb 28
Military
No AUMF
Operation Epic Fury Launched — U.S.–Israel Strikes on Iran
Joint U.S.–Israeli military operation commenced. Supreme Leader Khamenei killed in opening strikes. Iran responded with missile/drone attacks; closed Strait of Hormuz. No congressional AUMF authorized. 40-day campaign until Apr 8 ceasefire.
Feb 25
Passed House
218–213
Requires documentary proof of citizenship to register for federal elections; photo ID to vote. Passed House 218–213. Currently stalled in Senate filibuster.
Feb 18
Enacted
Signed
Establishes a congressional time capsule for the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026.
Feb 18
Enacted
Signed
Congressional Review Act disapproval of D.C. Council's income and franchise tax conformity amendment.
Feb 14
Shutdown
Day 75
Partial DHS Shutdown Begins — Ongoing
DHS partial shutdown began when two-week CR expired. Democrats blocked DHS funding demanding ICE/CBP reform after CBP killing of Alex Pretti (Jan 24). ICE, CBP, TSA, FEMA, Secret Service among affected agencies. Shutdown ongoing as of April 16.
Feb 10
Enacted
Signed
Requires federal agencies to cross-check payment records against the Social Security death master file to eliminate improper payments to deceased individuals.
Feb 9
Passed House
Bipartisan
Bipartisan housing supply bill passed House. Includes zoning reform incentives, FHA loan limit increases, streamlined environmental reviews.
Feb 6
Enacted
Signed
Reforms bankruptcy court administrative procedures and fee structures.
Feb 3
Enacted
Signed
Full-year FY2026 appropriations for all departments except DHS. Ended the 4-day general shutdown (Jan 31–Feb 3). DHS excluded due to Democratic objections over ICE/CBP reform.
Feb 3
Shutdown ends
—
First 2026 Shutdown Ends (4 days — Jan 31–Feb 3)
General government shutdown ended when P.L. 119-75 was signed. Shutdown caused by delay approving full-year appropriations package; DHS excluded and placed on 2-week CR.
January 2026
Jan 31
Shutdown
4 days
First 2026 General Government Shutdown Begins
Partial shutdown began when FY2025 continuing resolution expired. Affected approximately half of federal departments. Lasted 4 days until Feb 3 passage of Consolidated Appropriations Act.
Jan 23
Enacted
Signed
Signed Jan 23, 2026. Part of the FY2026 appropriations package covering Commerce, Justice, Science (including NASA/NSF), Energy and Water, and Interior/Environment departments.
Jan 22
Passed House
341–88 / 220–207
Final FY2026 Appropriations Package — 3 Bills
House passed final three FY2026 spending bills (Transportation/HUD 341–88; DHS 220–207; others) completing the House's work on annual appropriations. Senate Democrats subsequently blocked DHS portion.
Jan 20
Enacted
Signed
Amends title 38 to improve VA housing assistance programs for disabled veterans.
Jan 8
Veto sustained
Override failed
Veto Override Attempts Fail — H.R. 504 & H.R. 131
House failed to override two Biden-era vetoes: Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act (H.R. 504) and Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act (H.R. 131). Both vetoes sustained; bills died.
Jan 5
Session opens
—
119th Congress 2nd Session Convenes
Second session of the 119th Congress begins. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) resigned same day. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) died Jan 6. Republican House majority: 218–214 at opening.