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June 30, 2025 Update
[New information bolded and italicized]The Senate worked through the weekend on the Big Beautiful Bill Act. After much negotiation, the bill cleared its first procedural hurdle Saturday in a 51-49 vote. Republican Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) voted with Democrats to block the measure. President Donald Trump had threatened to support a primary challenge against Sen. Tillis if he opposed the legislation. On Sunday, Sen. Tillis announced he would not seek reelection in 2026 rather than face a MAGA challenger. The Senate proceeded to a so-called “vote-a-rama” Monday morning, which could last all day. The legislation will likely ultimately pass the Senate, though Vice President JD Vance may be called on to cast a tie-breaking vote. Prospects in the House could be more difficult. The ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus already publicly opposed the Senate version of the legislation. President Trump will likely need to weigh in and lean on Members if he wants the Big Beautiful Bill Act on his desk by July 4. As a reminder, this legislation contains much of President Trump’s legislative agenda, including $150 billion in additional spending for the military. In other news, the Senate did not pass Sen. Kaine’s War Powers Resolution regarding U.S. involvement in Iran. The 53-47 vote saw Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) side with Democrats, while Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) voted with Republicans in opposition. Amid comments from President Trump that he has not ruled out striking Iran, this legislation would have been instrumental in ensuring Congress exercised its constitutional right to declare war. It is unclear when the House will consider its own version, or versions, of War Powers Resolutions on the same topic. Two versions have been introduced; one led by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) and another led by Reps. Jim Himes (D-CA), Adam Smith (D-WA) and Gregory Meeks (D-NY).
Tentative 2024 Congressional Recess Schedule*When noted that both the Senate and House are in session, the House and Senate schedules may diverge by a day or two* July 4: Independence Day federal holiday July 7 – July 31: Both Senate and House largely in session August 4 – August 29: Congressional Recess September 1: Labor Day September 2 – September 19: Both Senate and House largely in session September 22 – September 26: Congressional Recess September 29 – November 7: Both Senate and House largely in session October 1 – November 7: Both Senate and House largely in session October 13: Columbus Day November 3 – November 7: Both Senate and House largely in session November 10 – November 14: Congressional Recess November 11: Veterans’ Day November 17- November 21: Both Senate and House in session November 24 – November 28: Congressional Recess November 27: Thanksgiving December 1- December 19: Both Senate and House largely in session December 19: Target Congressional adjournment |