As Congress reconvenes in Washington on Tuesday, lawmakers are gearing up for a politically charged autumn characterized by significant disputes over government funding, the highly publicized Jeffrey Epstein files, and President Donald Trump’s push for enhanced policing measures. Following a summer filled with rising tensions related to Trump's nationwide deportations, the National Guard's deployment in Washington, D.C., and a series of notable firings, Democrats are prepared to mount a strong opposition.
Democrats will not have to wait long for a chance to challenge Trump, as both Republicans and Democrats are entering a critical funding standoff with a September 30 deadline looming. This marks Congress's first opportunity for bipartisan negotiations in several months. Democrats have already indicated a desire for new checks on Trump’s authority and a rollback of his signature domestic policy, while White House officials maintain that they expect Democrats to assist in keeping the government operational. They remain unyielding in their stance against Democratic demands.
Before Congress approaches the end-of-September deadline, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune will navigate a series of partisan conflicts. On the House front, a contentious debate over the Jeffrey Epstein files is anticipated, which could further irritate House Republicans as they return. GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California will begin gathering signatures this week for a significant bill aimed at compelling the Trump administration to disclose all pertinent Epstein case documents.
This initiative employs a strategy known as a discharge petition, requiring just 218 signatures to push the bill to the floor, posing a political challenge for Speaker Johnson. Johnson has previously dismissed the Massie-Khanna effort as “moot,” yet acknowledged that a floor vote on some measure is likely, hinting at a potential leadership-backed resolution.
In the Senate, Republicans will confront tumultuous changes at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), where Trump recently fired an official confirmed by the Senate shortly before their August recess. Senators will also contend with the ongoing situation at the Federal Reserve, where former Governor Lisa Cook is suing Trump for her dismissal. Furthermore, Senate GOP leaders will face mounting pressure to modify longstanding rules to expedite the confirmation of Trump’s nominees, with discussions about allowing recess appointments to expand his presidential authority.
President Trump has also added more items to Congress's agenda for September. Last week, he announced collaboration with Johnson and Thune on a comprehensive crime package that is expected to intensify partisan disputes. Johnson stated that Republicans would focus first on crime in Washington before addressing issues in other American cities, specifically targeting what he describes as a “juvenile crime wave.” Additionally, Congress will encounter a vote in mid-September on extending Trump’s authority to deploy the National Guard to assist with policing in D.C., which faces significant hurdles in the Senate requiring 60 votes.
As one House member succinctly put it, “It’s gonna be a sh*tty fall,” encapsulating the anticipated conflicts surrounding government spending, the Epstein files, and Trump’s policing measures.
Democrats are gearing up for a confrontation with Trump concerning the funding deadline in September. The situation escalated following the White House's controversial decision to cancel nearly $5 billion in foreign aid, a move that challenges Congress's control over financial allocations and will likely face legal scrutiny. This decision has only galvanized top Democrats, with Hakeem Jeffries labeling it a “brazenly unlawful scam” that undermines Congress and characterizing Trump as a “wannabe king.”
Despite the Democrats' threats of a showdown, the White House downplays the prospect of a protracted conflict, asserting that Democrats will ultimately agree to keep the government operational without any concessions from Trump. A White House official remarked, “It’s very hard for me to believe that they are going to oppose a clean continuing resolution that would cause them to be responsible for a government shutdown.”
Massie and Khanna, the duo advocating for transparency regarding Epstein, will conduct a press conference on September 3 featuring individuals who claim to be victims of Epstein’s sex trafficking ring. Khanna emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “This press conference is going to be explosive. It’s the first time that a lot of these victims are speaking out publicly.”
The two lawmakers aim to gather the necessary 218 signatures for their discharge petition, hoping that the press conference will rally support from additional members of Congress. While both have expressed confidence in securing the necessary Democratic votes, uncertainty remains regarding the level of Republican support.
Lawmakers responsible for overseeing key administration roles will return to address recent dramatic personnel changes, including Trump’s controversial dismissal of Cook and the ousting of newly appointed CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez. Democrats have reacted with outrage to Cook’s firing, raising legal questions regarding Trump’s authority and potentially sparking new legal battles. Senator Elizabeth Warren described the move as an “authoritarian power grab” that violates the Federal Reserve Act.
Amidst these developments, there is a growing call for accountability from both sides of the aisle as senators press for testimony from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding the ongoing issues at the CDC.
As Washington awaits a pivotal meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Congress may take it upon itself to increase pressure on the Trump administration regarding the ongoing conflict. Senator Lindsey Graham has urged Trump to adopt a tougher stance, advocating for additional sanctions against nations purchasing oil and gas from Russia.
Graham expressed intentions to push Senate leadership to revisit his bipartisan sanctions legislation, which would designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. He also mentioned the necessity for Trump to impose more tariffs on China to leverage its influence over Russia. As the political landscape evolves, lawmakers from both parties will need to navigate these complex issues as they reconvene.
