Monday, May 18th, 2026
Withholding Pay During Shutdowns: The Senate passed S.Res.529, which would withhold Senator’s pay during government shutdowns. Under the resolution, Senators’ pay would be withheld by the Secretary of the Senate whenever a government shutdown affects one or more agencies, then released once funding is restored. It will take effect the day after the Nov. 3 general election and does not apply to the House.
Military Construction-VA Spending: The House passed H.R.8469, which is a bipartisan $157 billion package that fully funds veterans' healthcare and dedicates over $19 billion to military construction, focusing on base improvements, housing, and infrastructure. The bill provides $323.9 billion for mandatory programs, for a total of $469.49 billion in overall funding for Fiscal Year 2027.
War Powers Resolution: The House failed to pass H.Con.Res.75 (212-212), which calls for the termination of U.S. military action against Iran unless authorized by Congress. The measure is the third War Powers resolution that the House has considered since the war began and is being considered pursuant to a unanimous consent agreement.
Prioritizing the Release of Christian Pastors: The House passed H.Res.1259, which expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should prioritize securing the release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai detained by the People’s Republic of China during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Countering Antisemitism: The House passed H.Res.1251, which calls on officials to counter hate, educate the public on Jewish-American contributions, and ensure safety for Jewish communities.
Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets: The House passed H.R.6260 (243-179), which states that entities and organizations that pay cash bond or bail for defendants are engaged in the business of insurance under federal law and subject to federal criminal provisions related to insurance fraud, as well as state licensing requirements and regulation by state insurance commissions.
Cashless Bail Reporting: The House passed H.R.5625 (308-116), which requires the Department of Justice to publish a list annually of state and local governments that permit individuals who are charged with certain criminal offenses, that pose a clear threat to public safety, and order to be released pending trial on personal recognizance or upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond.
Combating Organized Retail Crime: The House passed H.R.2853, which expands federal enforcement of criminal offenses related to organized retail and supply chain crime. The term organized retail and supply chain crime includes criminal offenses involving the interstate transportation of stolen property, the sale or receipt of stolen goods, or theft from an interstate or foreign shipment that is committed by, in coordination with, or at the instruction of an organization.
Memorializing Law Enforcement Officers: The House passed H.Res.1252, which expresses support for police officers and other law enforcement personnel. The resolution further recognizes law enforcement officers across the United States in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities; the need to ensure that such officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while they are protecting the public; and the law enforcement community for acts of sacrifice and heroism.
Expressing Support for Law Enforcement Officers: The House passed H.Con.Res.96 (243-173), which states that Congress appreciates the contributions of law enforcement to our communities and country and recognizes the extraordinary sacrifice law enforcement officers make and expresses profound and wholehearted support for the men and women of law enforcement.
Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice: The House passed H.R.1346 (218-203), which amends the Clean Air Act to address the limitations on Reid Vapor Pressure (a measure of gasoline's volatility) that are placed on gasoline during the summer ozone season. This change allows gasoline that is blended with 10% to 15% ethanol to be sold year-round. The bill nullifies existing state exclusions, but states may submit documentation after enactment of the bill to be excluded going forward.
