As Congress reconvenes after a two-week recess, several pressing issues are on the agenda, including funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), potential lawmaker expulsions, and the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Funding Challenges for the Department of Homeland Security
The DHS has been closed for 58 days, prompting Republicans to propose a separate funding bill for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. This move comes amid significant tensions between House and Senate Republicans regarding the funding path.
- Senate Republicans favor a bipartisan funding approach for most of DHS.
- A GOP-only bill is intended to address funding for ICE and Border Patrol.
- Majority Leader John Thune aims to advance a budget resolution by the end of April.
The House and Senate Republican leaders are uniting to push forward but face uncertainty about the legislative strategy. The Republicans explore using budget reconciliation to bypass Democratic opposition.
Expulsions of Lawmakers Under Scrutiny
This week, Congress may see efforts to expel up to four members due to allegations of misconduct. Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell has come under fire after allegations of sexual assault emerged, leading him to withdraw from the California governor’s race.
- Calls for expulsions also include Representative Tony Gonzales, who admitted to an extramarital relationship with a staffer.
- Expulsions are rare; the last case was in late 2023 with Representative George Santos.
- Besides Swalwell and Gonzales, Representative Cory Mills is under investigation for campaign finance violations.
Votes for expulsion are uncertain, particularly without completing the Ethics Committee investigations.
Iran Conflict and Congressional Action
Simultaneously, Congress is set to vote on military action against Iran. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to force a vote to restrict President Donald Trump’s ability to engage militarily without congressional approval. Opposition has grown, particularly following threatening remarks by Trump regarding Iran.
Public Opposition to Military Action
A recent CBS News poll shows notable public disapproval of U.S. military actions against Iran:
| Opinion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Disapprove of military action | 60% |
| Approve of military action | 40% |
| Believe the war is going badly | 61% |
| Say Trump lacks a clear plan | 62% |
With rising gas prices and supply chain disruptions exacerbated by U.S. and Israeli attacks, Democrats are gaining traction in opposition to the ongoing conflict. Lawmakers will continue to debate these critical issues as they return to work this week.
