Congress Returns to a Gridlock: GOP Hard-Liners Dig In as Key Bills Stall

Congress is back in Washington this week, but lawmakers are returning to the same problems that stopped their work before they left for the July 4 holiday. A group of conservative Republicans is blocking votes on many bills until their demands are met. That has left House Speaker Mike Johnson scrambling to find a way forward before a major government funding deadline hits on September 30. With only two weeks of work time left before the August recess, the pressure is on.

The center of the fight involves a bill called the SAVE America Act. This bill would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and a photo ID to cast a ballot. Conservative Republicans like Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida want this bill attached to other must-pass legislation so it is forced into law. They have threatened to block the basic steps needed to move any bill forward until their demands are met, bringing much of the House's work to a halt.

One major bill stuck in this fight is the National Defense Authorization Act, known as the NDAA. The NDAA is passed every year and sets policies and funding for the U.S. military. Thirteen House Republicans voted against moving it forward before the July 4 break, and it is still unclear when the House will try again. The Senate, however, is expected to consider its own version of the defense bill this week.

The House will also try again to pass a spending bill covering the State Department and national security programs. This bill already cleared a committee but failed on the House floor before the recess. Johnson's team hopes a second attempt will succeed. Two of the 12 government spending bills needed for fiscal year 2027 have already passed the House, but harder fights over agencies like Health and Human Services lie ahead.

The Senate will hold a confirmation hearing on Wednesday for Jay Clayton, President Trump's pick to lead the nation's intelligence community. The hearing was delayed last month but is now back on the schedule. Clayton has received praise from both Democrats and Republicans, which is rare in today's divided Congress. Senators also hope his confirmation could help break a separate deadlock over renewing a law that allows the government to monitor foreign communications.

The House will also consider the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent across the country. The bill passed a House committee by a vote of 48 to 1 in May and would allow states to opt out if they choose. President Trump has backed it, saying it would save money and improve daily life for millions of Americans. Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida, who introduced the bill, says it would boost tourism and outdoor activities.

Republican leaders are also talking about a third budget reconciliation bill, sometimes called Reconciliation 3.0. Reconciliation bills are special measures that only need a simple majority to pass the Senate, making them easier to advance. Trump has pushed for the bill to include $350 billion for defense and the SAVE America Act. Leaders have about two weeks to build a budget plan before lawmakers leave Washington for the August break.

The week started on a sad note after the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who died suddenly over the weekend. Graham was a powerful senator who led the Senate Budget Committee and served on several other key committees. His death leaves important vacancies on panels that are critical to the work ahead, including the push for the new reconciliation bill. Senators from his party are now racing to fill those empty seats.