As Congress returns to session, lawmakers are poised to engage in high-stakes battles over health care, federal spending, and military actions in Venezuela.With a looming deadline for government funding and significant policy disagreements, the atmosphere in Washington is charged with urgency and tension.Congress is under pressure to pass a budget by January 30, or risk another government shutdown, just months after the longest shutdown in US history ended.
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wthr.comThe bipartisan compromise reached in November only postponed the inevitable, leaving many lawmakers frustrated with the lack of progress on appropriations.
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wthr.comOne of the most contentious issues is the expiration of subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which has left millions of Americans facing rising health care costs.
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cnn.comHouse Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to hold a vote on a Democratic proposal to extend these subsidies for three years, a move that has sparked rebellion among some GOP centrists who are concerned about their political futures ahead of the midterms.
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cnn.comwthr.comDespite the potential for the House to pass the bill, the Senate's response remains uncertain.Senate centrists have been working on their own compromise, but details are scarce.
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cnn.comThe political stakes are high, as Democrats aim to leverage any Republican opposition to the subsidies in the upcoming elections.
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wthr.comIn addition to health care, Congress is grappling with the implications of President Donald Trump's recent military actions in Venezuela, where he authorized strikes that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
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cnn.comThis has raised significant questions about the president's authority to conduct military operations without congressional approval, prompting Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to push for a vote on a resolution to limit the president's war powers.
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cnn.comThe situation in Venezuela has become a flashpoint for Republican loyalty to Trump, as party leaders navigate the delicate balance between supporting the president and reasserting Congress's role in military decisions.
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cnn.comLawmakers are divided, with some calling for greater oversight and others supporting the administration's actions as necessary for national security.
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federalnewsnetwork.comAs the clock ticks down to the funding deadline, both parties are struggling to find common ground on spending levels.The "four corners" of Congress—top leaders from both parties—have been in discussions, but significant disagreements remain, particularly regarding the overall budget framework.
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cnn.comwthr.comDemocrats have expressed frustration with the lack of willingness to compromise, with Rep.Emanuel Cleaver lamenting the current state of governance in Washington.
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cnn.comMeanwhile, GOP leaders are under pressure to deliver results without resorting to the large omnibus spending bills that have characterized past negotiations.
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federalnewsnetwork.comThe upcoming weeks will be critical for Congress as it attempts to navigate these complex issues.With the potential for another government shutdown looming, lawmakers must act swiftly to address health care, federal spending, and military oversight, all while preparing for the political ramifications of their decisions in the midterms.
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wthr.comIn summary, the divided Congress faces a challenging landscape as it returns to session, with high-stakes battles over health care subsidies, federal spending, and military actions in Venezuela.The outcome of these debates will have significant implications for both the legislative agenda and the political landscape heading into the elections.
