During last week’s Democratic National Convention (DNC), House and Senate Democratic leaders provided some insights into their legislative priorities for the upcoming three-week session. Of note, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) told reporters he is “considering” utilizing the September work period to try and move a bipartisan rail safety bill that has been stalled by political disagreements in recent weeks. This potential move is widely viewed as an opportunity to boost Sens. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), both of whom have cosponsored the legislation alongside Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), the Republican Vice Presidential nominee. However, similar to the Senate’s vote on the Smith-Wyden tax bill last month, the rail safety legislation could struggle to get to 60 votes given the timing and political nature of the vote.
- Meanwhile… House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) told reporters that he will “soon” talk with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on government funding ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline. In response to recent demands from the conservative House Freedom Caucus, Leader Jeffries stated that Democrats “are not accepting a dime less than the $1.681 [trillion spending level], which is reflected in an agreement that we reached with the Republicans.” Additionally, Leader Schumer is rallying support for full federal funding to replace Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge as a policy rider to the forthcoming continuing resolution (CR). When Congress returns on Sept. 9, lawmakers will have 21 days to reach an agreement to keep the government funded. It is widely expected that another CR will be passed to avoid a shutdown and provide spending authority into late November or early December, but details remain in flux at this point.
