Congressional Summary
SPECIAL NOTE: Congress is in recess for the Memorial Day weekend. Unless there is impactful breaking news, the next regular edition of this summary will be run on Monday, June 1.
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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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, April 29, 2026
Week of April 27 · Session Day 20
Week context: After a two-day marathon, the House Rules Committee finally reported a rule 9–4 Tuesday evening covering all three major bills: FISA (now S. 1318 — Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act), the Farm Bill (H.R. 7567), and S.Con.Res. 33 (reconciliation). Two sweeteners were added: a CBDC ban attached to FISA, and E15 ethanol fuel sales attached to the Farm Bill. The rule must pass the full House today before any bill can receive a floor vote — Johnson can lose only two Republicans. FISA expires tomorrow Thursday April 30. The Senate holds its 6th Iran War Powers vote today as the statutory May 1 deadline arrives. Cekada's ATF confirmation comes today after cloture passed 54–46 with 5 Democratic crossovers. King Charles III addresses a joint session tomorrow Thursday.
🔄 What changed since April 28:
- House Rules Committee reported rule 9–4 Tuesday evening: After a marathon two-day session with Democrats filing 360+ amendments, Rules finally reported a closed rule covering FISA (S. 1318), the Farm Bill, and S.Con.Res. 33. The rule must pass the full House today. Key sweeteners: CBDC ban attached to FISA; E15 ethanol fuel sales attached to Farm Bill for corn-state Republicans.
- FISA now S. 1318 — "Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act": 3-year Sec. 702 reauthorization. No warrant requirement. Adds attorney sign-off before FBI queries on Americans, expanded FISC access, monthly ODNI civil liberties review, CBDC prohibition attached. Jordan reversed prior position to support it. Raskin calls it "a dirty deal." Himes (D-CT): "If Republicans pass a rule, there are dozens of Democratic yes votes on a clean extension."
- Cekada ATF cloture passed 54–46 with 5 Democratic crossovers: Five Democrats voted yes on cloture — a notable fracture in party unity on gun policy. Confirmation vote today.
- Senate S. 4344 FISA cloture — moved to no later than Friday May 1: Thune obtained unanimous consent to schedule the vote by Friday. Senate's own FISA track still active. Sen. Wyden spoke on FISA Tuesday morning.
- Senate proceeded to en bloc nominations 52–47: S.Res. 690 advanced; Thune filed cloture on dozens of Trump nominees moving in parallel.
- DHS — Johnson says Senate bill needs changes: Means it would return to Senate for another vote. Schumer: "We don't know what they're talking about. They're just stuck." DHS shutdown Day 74, paycheck crisis end of week.
- Iran War Powers — 6th Senate vote expected today: War Powers statutory deadline is today. Prior Tuesday vote reportedly failed 52–48. Democrats forcing another vote as deadline arrives.
🗓 Legislative Horizon
Major initiatives expected in the weeks ahead & remainder of the 119th Congress (ends Jan 3, 2027)
This week
FISA Sec. 702 Reauthorization
Expires tomorrow Thursday April 30 — 1 day. House Rules reported a rule 9–4 Tuesday covering S.1318 (3-year extension, CBDC attached, no warrant requirement). Rule must pass the full House today. Senate S. 4344 cloture vote no later than Friday May 1 as fallback. If S.1318 passes both chambers: resolved for 3 years. If House rule fails again: Senate takes lead with S. 4344 (needs 60 votes). If neither works: FISA lapses — intelligence collection continues but faces telecom/tech company lawsuits. A 4th short-term patch via unanimous consent remains the last resort.
1 day to expiry. House rule vote today is decisive. Senate fallback cloture by Fri if needed.
Today
Iran War Powers Act — May 1 Statutory Deadline · Operation Epic Fury
May 1 is today. 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.
Today is the statutory deadline. Trump likely to invoke 30-day withdrawal notice. 6th war powers vote today.
DHS shutdown Day 73. 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. Two tracks: Senate-passed bipartisan DHS bill (non-ICE/CBP) awaiting House floor vote — 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.
Paycheck crisis by end of week. Senate bill on floor this week or workers go unpaid. Reconciliation months away from final passage.
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)
Procedural Rule Vote — TODAY
Rule for S.1318 + H.R. 7567 + S.Con.Res. 33
⚠ Must pass today · Johnson can lose 2 votes
The procedural rule must pass the full House today before any of the three major bills can receive a floor vote. Democrats are expected to vote against the rule as a bloc — as is standard practice. Johnson needs near-unanimous Republican support. Rep. Roy, Massie, and others have raised continued concerns. If the rule fails, there is no path to a FISA floor vote before Thursday's expiration. House Democrats' Himes said there are "dozens of Democratic yes votes" on FISA itself if the rule passes — meaning bipartisan passage of the underlying bill is achievable even if some Republicans bolt.
S. 1318
Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act — FISA Sec. 702 3-Year Extension
⚠ Expires Thu Apr 30 · Floor vote pending rule passage
The House's third attempt at a FISA reauthorization this session. Extends Sec. 702 three years with new accountability provisions but no warrant requirement. A CBDC (central bank digital currency) ban was tacked on to win over Republican privacy hawks who wanted something tangible on surveillance. Jordan (R-OH, Judiciary chair) reversed his prior warrant-requirement position to support it — citing 2024 reforms that reduced FBI queries from 2.9M to 9,000. Rep. Raskin: "The so-called reforms essentially consist of Tulsi Gabbard checking Kash Patel's homework." Himes (D-CT) drafted a judicial-warrant alternative that was not included. If rule passes, floor vote expected tonight or Thursday.
H.R. 7567
Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
Floor vote pending rule passage · E15 ethanol added
The 5-year farm bill reauthorization — overdue since 2018 — is bundled with FISA and reconciliation in the same rule. Democrats filed over 360 amendments during the two-day Rules hearing. The E15 ethanol year-round fuel sales provision was added as a sweetener for corn-state Republicans. The MAHA bloc continues to resist certain provisions. Floor vote expected Thursday if rule passes today.
S.Con.Res. 33
FY2026 Reconciliation Budget Resolution — House Floor Pending
⚠ Bundled in rule · House must adopt for May 15 committee deadline
The reconciliation budget resolution is bundled with FISA and the Farm Bill in the same procedural rule. If the rule passes and the resolution is adopted, Senate Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees have until May 15 to write the actual reconciliation bill funding ICE and CBP. Trump's June 1 target for a signed bill is still technically achievable if this passes today. Roy demanded this contain SAVE Act, CBDC ban, and other provisions — the CBDC ban is now in the FISA portion, partially addressing his concerns.
U.S. Senate
Majority Leader: Sen. John Thune (R-SD) · Minority Leader: Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
ATF Director — Confirmation
Robert Cekada — ATF Director
Confirmation vote today · Cloture passed 54–46 Tue
Cloture passed 54–46 Tuesday with five Democratic crossovers — a notable fracture in party unity on gun policy. Cekada is a career ATF agent with 30+ years at the bureau. His confirmation gives Trump a permanent, Senate-confirmed director at an agency that has been without one for years. Confirmation vote expected today on a party-line basis. Democrats framed opposition around gun violence prevention rather than personal qualifications.
Vote Result — Cloture (motion to invoke)
Senate · Tue Apr 28, 2026
✓ Cloture invoked
Yea
54
All R + 5 D crossovers
Nay
46
Remaining D
Next: Confirmation vote today. Expected to confirm. First Senate-confirmed ATF Director in years.
S. 4344
FISA Section 702 — 3-Year Extension (Senate track)
⚠ Cloture vote no later than Fri May 1
The Senate's clean 3-year FISA extension remains the fallback if the House fails to pass S. 1318 before Thursday's expiration. Thune obtained unanimous consent Tuesday to hold the cloture vote no later than Friday May 1. Wyden spoke on FISA from the floor Tuesday morning — Senate Democrats' demands for warrant requirements and data broker restrictions remain the central obstacle to reaching 60 votes. If the House passes S. 1318 today and it clears the Senate, the S. 4344 track becomes moot.
War Powers — 6th vote
Iran War Powers Resolution (6th Senate attempt)
⚠ May 1 statutory deadline TODAY · Vote expected
The War Powers Act 60-day statutory deadline falls today, May 1. Democrats are expected to force a 6th Senate vote. Tuesday's attempt reportedly failed 52–48 — slightly closer than previous attempts, possibly reflecting the Iran Strait offer shifting some votes. Collins, Murkowski, Tillis, and Curtis (R) have said Congress must vote. Trump's options: sign a 30-day withdrawal notification (buying until May 31), seek a formal AUMF (unprecedented in this context), or argue the ceasefire reset the clock. Navy Secretary Phelan announced he is leaving the administration.
Joint Session — Thu Apr 30
King Charles III — Address to Joint Session of Congress
Tomorrow Thu Apr 30 · First British monarch since 1991
King Charles III addresses a joint session of Congress tomorrow — the first British monarch to do so since 1991. The visit comes as the UK-US relationship is strained by tariff disputes and the Iran conflict. Thursday will be one of the busiest single days of the session: King Charles in the morning, FISA deadline at midnight, and DHS paycheck cliff by end of day.
📎 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
April 2026
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 74
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.