Speaker Rejects Senate’s Bipartisan $95B National Security Supplemental
The House of Representatives has started a 12-day winter recess, aligning with the Senate’s two-week break, creating a backlog of crucial unresolved matters on Capitol Hill. Speaker Mike Johnson, managing a slim majority, has declined to consider the Senate’s bipartisan $95 billion national security supplemental, leaving aid for Ukraine, funding for Israel and Taiwan, and emergency legislation for the migrant crisis at the southern border in limbo.
Focus Shifts to Government Funding Deadlines
With attention turning to impending government funding deadlines, Johnson is concentrating on averting a partial government shutdown. When the House reconvenes on Feb. 28, they will have only three legislative days to pass a bill to prevent a shutdown. An additional funding deadline looms on March 8, threatening further government closures.
House to Address Impeachment Inquiry and Testimony
During the recess, the House will continue the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, conducting interviews with James Biden and Hunter Biden. Additionally, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will testify before the House Armed Services Committee following his recent health challenges.
Legislative Challenges and Low Productivity
This Congress has been notably unproductive, passing just 39 bills for presidential approval. Divided power in Capitol Hill has led to legislation stalling in one chamber after passing in the other, contributing to the current gridlock on critical issues such as border security, Ukraine aid, and Israel funding.
Stalemates and Partisan Standoffs
The House and Senate remain deadlocked on significant matters like border security and international aid, with bipartisan measures failing to advance due to political disagreements. The lack of progress has fueled dysfunction in government operations, exacerbating existing crises.