Congress to Consider Defense Bill, Healthcare Extensions, and Potential Debt Limit Legislation

What’s happening in Congress?

• After avoiding a partial government shutdown last week, lawmakers will return to the Capitol this week looking to make progress on the annual national defense authorization bill, a package of year-end extensions of healthcare policies, and potentially legislation raising the debt limit.

SENATE SCHEDULE

• The Senate starts its week Monday with a procedural vote on a nomination to reappoint a member of the Federal Communications Commission. If successful, a confirmation vote is likely to occur Tuesday.
• Senators will also continue their negotiations on the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2022, with votes on the package possible once an agreement regarding amendment votes is reached.
• Committees will hold hearings on closing the Guantanamo Bay detention facility; U.S. policy regarding Russia; the future of U.S. policy on Taiwan; and disaster recovery assistance.

HOUSE SCHEDULE 

• The House is scheduled to be in session from Tuesday through Friday this week, although its schedule each day isn’t yet clear.
• Lawmakers may consider 30 bills under the fast-track “suspension of the rules” process, which requires a two-thirds majority for passage in exchange for expedited debate.
• Additionally, the House may vote on a bill to protect elections and prevent presidential abuse of power; the NDAA; legislation extending year-end healthcare provisions; and a bill to lift the debt limit.
• Committees will hold hearings on worldwide threats from foreign terrorist organizations; financial innovation in the U.S.; and climate investments.

Check below throughout the week to see the vote results and updates to the schedule.

Schedule subject to change. All times Eastern.

HOUSE

Monday 

• The House is not in session.

Tuesday after 6:30pm, Wednesday or Thursday after 12pm, or Friday after 9am

• H.R. 5314: Protecting Our Democracy Act
• Consideration of the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act
• Possible consideration of legislation related to the debt limit
• Possible consideration of legislation related to end of the year healthcare provisions
• Additional legislative items are possible.

Under suspension of the rules:

• H.R. 5545: REMOTE Act, as amended
• H.R. 5746: NASA Enhanced Use Leasing Extension Act of 2021
• H.R. 4996: Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, as amended
• H.R. 4616: Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act of 2021, as amended
• H.R. 5290: To extend authorization for livestock mandatory reporting
• H.R. 5608: Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act
• H.R. 4489: National Forest Restoration and Remediation Act 
• H.R. 5609: Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021
• H.R. 3537: Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, as amended
• H.R. 5487: SHINE for Autumn Act of 2021, as amended
• H.R. 5561: Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2021, as amended
• H.R. 5551: Improving the Health of Children Act, as amended
• H.R. 1193: Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy Act, as amended
• H.R. 1667: Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, as amended
• H.R. 3320: Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act of 2021, as amended
• H.R. 4555: Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2021

Postponed Suspensions:

• H.R. 2355: Opioid Prescription Verification Act of 2021, as amended
• H.R. 2364: Synthetic Opioid Danger Awareness Act, as amended
• H.R. 3743: Supporting the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration Act
• H.R. 3894: CARING for Social Determinants Act of 2021, as amended
• H.R. 897: Agua Caliente Land Exchange Fee to Trust Confirmation Act, as amended
• H.R. 2074: Indian Buffalo Management Act, as amended
• H.R. 3531: Women Who Worked on the Home Front World War II Memorial Act, as amended
• H.R. 4706: Blackwell School National Historic Site Act
• H.R. 5720: Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act, as amended
• H.R. 5677: To make technical amendments to update statutory references to certain provisions classified to title 2, United States Code, title 50, United States Code, and title 52, United States Code
• H.R. 5679: To make technical amendments to update statutory references to certain provisions classified to title 7, title 20, and title 43, United States Code
• H.R. 5695: To make technical amendments to update statutory references to certain provisions which were formerly classified to chapters 14 and 19 of title 25, United States Code
• H.R. 5705: To make technical amendments to update statutory references to provisions reclassified to title 34, United States Code
• H.R. 5961: To make revisions in title 5, United States Code, as necessary to keep the title current, and to make technical amendments to improve the United States Code
• H.R. 5982: To make revisions in title 51, United States Code, as necessary to keep the title current, and to make technical amendments to improve the United States Code

SENATE

Monday after 5:30pm

• Cloture motion on the nomination of Jessica Rosenworcel to be a Member of the FCC for a term of five years from July 1, 2020 (Reappointment)

Rest of the Week

• Consideration of the fiscal year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act

Tell your reps how to vote on this week's bills and share your thoughts below!

— Eric Revell