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, May 13, 2026
Week of May 11 · Session Day 24
Week context: Tuesday delivered Warsh's first confirmation — 51–45 as Fed governor with only Fetterman crossing over — and the 30-hour clock to his Fed chair confirmation vote today (Wednesday) is now running. Senate Republicans themselves are balking at the $1 billion White House ballroom security provision in the reconciliation bill, giving that Byrd Rule fight new bipartisan dimensions. The Senate's motion to proceed to S.J.Res. 132 passed 51-something Tuesday, and a War Powers motion to discharge S.J.Res. 163 is on the table for Wednesday — Sen. Merkley spoke on Iran at 3:32 p.m. Tuesday. Warsh's chair confirmation is expected today; Powell's term expires Friday. The reconciliation bill heads to the Senate floor as soon as next week. Senate Banking marks up crypto legislation Thursday.
🔄 What changed since May 12:
- Warsh confirmed to Fed Board 51–45 Tuesday: The 51–45 vote was largely along party lines. Sen. John Fetterman was the only Democrat to vote yes. Warsh is now a Fed governor with a 14-year term beginning February 1, 2026. The separate vote on his chairmanship (a 4-year term) is expected today — Warsh plans "regime change" at the Fed, including tightening coordination with Treasury and setting a course for a smaller balance sheet, which he argues should allow for a lower policy rate. Powell's chair term expires Friday.
- Senate Republicans balking at $1B ballroom: Senate GOP members are balking at $1B in security for the White House ballroom, despite it being in the reconciliation text. This is significant — if even some Republicans vote with Democrats on a Byrd Rule point of order, the provision could be stripped on a simple majority vote. Graham may need to defend or remove it before the bill hits the floor next week.
- Senate War Powers — S.J.Res. 163 motion to discharge · S.J.Res. 132 proceeded: The Senate voted Tuesday on a motion to proceed to S.J.Res. 132 (Reed Examinations for Risks to Active-Duty — Iran war powers related). Sen. Merkley spoke on Iran at 3:32 p.m. Wednesday: motion to discharge S.J.Res. 163 possible if Sen. Merkley or his designee makes the motion.
- Warsh context — "regime change" at the Fed: A surge in oil prices since the start of the Iran war has pushed up inflation and pared investor expectations for an interest-rate cut this year. Financial markets are pricing about a one-in-three chance of a rate hike by December. The Fed's current target range is 3.50%–3.75%. Warsh inherits a deeply complicated macro environment.
- Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Wednesday: Following Merkley floor remarks on Iran at 3:32 p.m., the Senate adjourned at 6:28 p.m. Wednesday schedule: morning business, then Warsh chair vote, then possible Iran War Powers motion.
🗓 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.
32 days to June 12. Effective deal deadline ~June 9. Negotiations resume this week. Same GOP divisions as before recess.
Today
Iran War Powers Act — May 1 Statutory Deadline · Operation Epic Fury
White House declared hostilities "terminated" May 1, but the U.S. naval blockade continues and U.S. forces attacked an Iranian-flagged tanker this week attempting to breach the blockade. Iran revealed peace demands Trump rejected and stalled nuclear talks. Macron calling for Strait reopening. 7th War Powers vote expected this week. Wicker public hearing on Operation Epic Fury expected this week. 13 U.S. service members killed. Gas above $4/gallon nationally. 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.
Tanker attack = new hostility post-"terminated" declaration. 7th War Powers vote this week. Wicker hearing this week.
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)
FY2027 Appropriations — Bill 1 of 12
FY2027 Appropriations — Commerce-Justice-Science Markup Today
House Appropriations markup today · FBI · DEA · ATF · Justice
The House Appropriations Committee is marking up the FY2027 Commerce-Justice-Science spending bill today — covering the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals, ATF (newly led by Cekada), and Department of Commerce. The Energy-Water subcommittee is also on the schedule. House Defense Subcommittee held its hearing Monday with Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chair Caine, and Navy Secretary Hung Cao. The full appropriations cycle must produce 12 bills by September 30.
FISA — 3-year deal · June 12
FISA Section 702 — 3-Year Extension Negotiations
⚠ June 12 deadline · CBDC standoff · Warrant divide
Negotiations resume in earnest this week. House conservatives still demand the CBDC ban and warrant requirement — the same demands that blocked a deal before recess. The Senate cannot pass a permanent CBDC ban (needs 60 votes, Democrats won't cross). Thune and Johnson are working on alternative sweeteners for House conservatives. The 72-hour text-posting rule creates an effective deal deadline of approximately June 9. Johnson "faces tough road" with the same internal GOP divisions that nearly killed the bill last time. Rep. Luna warned that pesticide liability protections in the Senate Farm Bill would kill that bill — a signal she's still an active disruptor on multiple fronts.
H.R. 7567 / Senate Farm Bill
Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
Senate moving its own version · House watching closely
The House Farm Bill (pulled April 30) is targeting a return before the July 4 recess. Meanwhile, the Senate Agriculture Committee is moving its own version this week — the two bills will need to be reconciled in conference. Key unresolved issues: SNAP cuts (Dems call it largest in U.S. history), MAHA bloc pesticide liability objections, E15 ethanol, and nutrition program funding levels. Both FISA and the Farm Bill have some Democratic support, but both also require near-unanimous House Republican agreement on procedural rules.
VRA response legislation
Voting Rights Act — Congressional Response to Louisiana v. Callais
D emergency legislation · No path to passage · FBI redistricting raid
Democrats are introducing emergency VRA restoration legislation this week in response to the Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais ruling. No path to passage in this Congress — Republicans control both chambers. The FBI has raided the office of the Virginia Senate president who led a redistricting push, adding a law enforcement dimension to the redistricting battle. Florida has already enacted a new gerrymandered map; Mississippi and Alabama are in special sessions. Republicans are framing the ruling as constitutionally correct; Democrats are calling it "gutting the foundational right of racial equality in elections."
H.Con.Res. 38
Iran War Powers Concurrent Resolution — Gottheimer
Privileged motion · Possible floor vote this week
Rep. Gottheimer's concurrent resolution would direct President Trump to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizes the mission. As a concurrent resolution, it can be brought to the House floor as a privileged motion — Democrats can force a vote regardless of leadership's scheduling preferences. The House previously blocked consideration of a similar resolution 219–212 on March 5, with only Reps. Massie (R-KY) and Davidson (R-OH) crossing over from Republicans. The U.S. attack on an Iranian-flagged tanker last week gives Democrats fresh ammunition heading into this vote.
U.S. Senate
Majority Leader: Sen. John Thune (R-SD) · Minority Leader: Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
Fed Chair — Warsh
Kevin Warsh — Federal Reserve Chair · Chair vote TODAY
Fed Board confirmed 51–45 Tue · Chair vote today Wed · Powell expires Fri
Warsh was confirmed to the Fed Board 51–45 Tuesday — Fetterman the only Democratic crossover. Today's vote (Wednesday) is for his chairmanship specifically. Warsh plans "regime change" at the Fed: tighter coordination with Treasury, smaller balance sheet, lower policy rates. He inherits a complicated environment — Iran war oil price surge has pushed inflation to near 3-year highs; markets pricing one-in-three chance of a rate hike by December. The Fed's current range is 3.50%–3.75%. FOMC next meets June 16–17.
Reconciliation — floor ~May 18
ICE/CBP Reconciliation Bill — $72B · $1B Ballroom Security · Byrd Rule Fight
⚠ Floor as soon as May 18 · Ballroom $1B challenged · May 15 committee deadline
The $72 billion reconciliation bill is on track for Senate floor consideration as soon as next week (May 18). Key new flashpoint: the bill includes $1 billion in Secret Service security funding for Trump's White House ballroom project — a provision Democrats plan to challenge under the Byrd Rule, arguing it falls outside the jurisdiction of committees that received reconciliation instructions this year. If the Byrd Rule challenge succeeds, the ballroom provision would be stripped on a 51-vote point of order. The bill's core — $38B for ICE and $25B+ for CBP through FY2029 — is on stronger Byrd Rule ground. Schumer has promised to force Republicans to "answer for every dollar diverted from American families to Trump's priorities" during the vote-a-rama.
En bloc nominations
49 Trump Nominees Confirmed En Bloc — Monday
✓ Confirmed Mon · Executive branch staffing accelerated
The Senate confirmed 49 Trump executive branch nominees in a single en bloc vote Monday evening, continuing Thune's strategy of processing large nomination batches to staff the Trump administration quickly. The 49 nominees span multiple agencies. Democrats objected to the process but did not have the votes to block it. This brings the total confirmed Trump nominees in the 2nd session to well over 100.
Senate Banking — crypto
Crypto Market Structure Legislation — Senate Banking Markup Thursday
Markup Thu · Bipartisan interest · Major financial regulation
Senate Banking Committee is marking up a crypto market structure bill Thursday — one of the most significant financial regulation proposals of the session. The bill would establish a regulatory framework for digital assets, clarifying the jurisdiction of the SEC and CFTC over cryptocurrencies. Bipartisan interest given the growth of the crypto market and the industry's significant lobbying presence. With Warsh expected as the new Fed chair, cryptocurrency regulation takes on added significance given questions about digital dollar policy.
War Powers — ongoing
Iran War Powers — Senate 7th attempt · House Gottheimer resolution
White House "terminated" disputed · Tanker attacked · More votes coming
Democrats are continuing to force War Powers votes in both chambers. In the Senate, a 7th attempt is expected this week. In the House, Rep. Gottheimer (D-NJ) has H.Con.Res. 38 — a concurrent resolution directing Trump to remove U.S. forces from Iran hostilities — that could be forced to the floor as a privileged motion. Prior House vote blocked 219–212. The U.S. attack on an Iranian-flagged tanker last week and Iran's rejection of peace terms have heightened the political pressure. Rubio said the War Powers Act is "100 percent unconstitutional." Schumer is framing each vote as a midterm election contrast.
📎 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 12
Confirmed
51–45
Kevin Warsh — Federal Reserve Board of Governors · Confirmed 51–45
Largely party-line; Fetterman (D-PA) the only Democratic crossover. 14-year term as Fed governor confirmed. Chair vote expected Wednesday. Powell's chair term expires Friday. Warsh plans "regime change" at the Fed — tighter Treasury coordination, smaller balance sheet, lower rates. Iran war oil price surge complicates the policy environment.
May 11
Cloture invoked
Cloture invoked
Kevin Warsh — Federal Reserve Chair Nominee · Cloture invoked Mon
Senate invoked cloture on Warsh nomination Monday evening. Confirmation vote expected Wednesday. Powell's term has expired; Warsh would immediately become Fed chair upon confirmation.
May 11
Confirmed
49 confirmed
49 Trump Executive Branch Nominees Confirmed En Bloc
Senate confirmed 49 nominees in a single en bloc vote via S.Res. approval. Part of Thune's ongoing strategy to accelerate Trump administration staffing. Democrats objected but could not block.
May 8
Released
Text released
ICE/CBP Reconciliation Bill Text Released — $72B · Through FY2029
Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees released full text of the $72B reconciliation bill funding ICE and Border Patrol through fiscal year 2029. Senate Judiciary business meeting to formally consider this week ahead of May 15 reporting deadline.
May 7
Escalation
Tanker attacked
U.S. Forces Attack Iranian-Flagged Tanker · Naval Blockade Enforcement
U.S. military attacked an Iranian-flagged tanker attempting to breach the Strait of Hormuz naval blockade — most significant military action since April 7 ceasefire. White House had declared hostilities "terminated" May 1. Iran revealed peace demands Trump rejected. Macron called for Strait reopening.
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.