When Congress returns from its August recess next week, lawmakers will face one of the tightest and most contentious legislative calendars in recent years. At the center of the action: government funding and a race against the clock to avoid a federal shutdown.
The fiscal year begins October 1, leaving Congress with just 14 legislative workdays in September to pass 12 annual appropriations bills. More realistically, a short-term continuing resolution (CR) appears likely, given sharp partisan divides.
Those divides run deep. Republicans and Democrats remain far apart on funding levels and policy riders, raising the risk of a shutdown if compromise isn’t reached. A short-term CR, extending current funding levels into the fall, appears the most probable path. One potential tool to break the stalemate: earmarks—targeted spending provisions that allow lawmakers to secure tangible wins for their districts. These could help bridge the gap between fiscal conservatives and members eager to deliver for constituents.
While funding battles will dominate the headlines, other issues will also command attention:
- Foreign Policy & Ukraine Aid: Russia’s ongoing war will spark renewed debate over U.S. military and financial assistance. These debates shape broader foreign policy priorities and often sideline domestic legislation.
- Nominations in the Senate: Judicial and executive branch nominees will continue to be a flashpoint, with long-term consequences for religious liberty, free speech, and regulatory policy.
- Bipartisan Push to Release Epstein Files: Democrats and some Republicans are planning to use procedural tools to force a vote on legislation, bypassing House leadership. The House Oversight Committee has also issued subpoenas for documents and testimony from high-profile figures as it pursues further information.
For NRB members, this fall is less about waiting for perfect conditions and more about strategic action. Advancing the AM Radio in Every Vehicle Act, NextGen TV, protecting faith-based speech, and securing a supportive regulatory framework will require persistent advocacy, nimble engagement, and unity across our industry.
As always, if you have any questions about NRB’s Public Policy initiatives, please do not hesitate to reach out to policy@nrb.org.