The United States Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government, consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Members of Congress are elected by their districts or states to two-year terms (in the House) or six-year terms (in the Senate).
A slew of challenges, including discord within the GOP and chamber rules, could thwart Republicans’ effort to pass their megabill. Among the issues that could derail their plan: The fact that many Republicans haven’t signed on to the measure, a Democratic push for more transparency, and concerns from voters over health care changes like work requirements and cuts in benefits.
In the Senate, Democrats have a chance to put some political pressure on the GOP for its refusal to address Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and to vote against the confirmation of Emil Bove, a Justice Department official who is facing allegations from whistleblowers. But with Republican leaders defending Bove, it’s unlikely they will make the move.
In the House, the September to-do list for Speaker Mike Johnson gets tougher by the day. As Meredith reported Tuesday, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna plans to file a discharge petition to force a floor vote on banning stock trading by congressional members. It’s a fight that could pit Johnson against rank-and-file Republicans who are thirsty to crack down on elite corruption. Those efforts could be aided by a Senate committee that marks up its own version of the bill today.
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