Why it matters: The House has already left Washington for its pre-midterm recess—earlier than planned—while the Senate remains in session for a few more weeks. Expect the near-term policy action to run through the Senate and federal agencies during this stretch.
What’s happened:
-
The government funding fight is resolved: the House passed the Senate’s continuing resolution on September 1 (370-48), the Senate had passed it 90-6, and President Trump signed it, funding the government through December 11.
-
The GOP’s midterm convention in Dallas took place as scheduled. President Trump plans to campaign in competitive races nationwide and promised a $5,000 “dividend” to every adult American if Republicans hold the House and Senate.
-
The House returned September 14 for what was billed as a short session. On September 16, it passed a Russia/Iran sanctions package, then Speaker Mike Johnson canceled the remaining votes and sent members home a day early—collapsing the previously planned September 21 and September 28 work weeks into the recess as well.
State of play:
-
The House is now out until after the midterms; members aren’t expected back in Washington until the week of November 9.
-
The Senate is still in session. According to its 2026 calendar, it’s scheduled to keep working through the next couple of weeks.
What’s next: With the House sidelined and the Senate’s window closing fast, expect federal agencies to remain the primary venue for movement on employment-related policy in the weeks ahead. This gives the Association an opening to keep engaging directly with regulators.
