Though Election Day is still two months away, the Senate is scheduled to be in session just 24 days — and the House just 11 days — between now and then. And there’s a lot on the agenda in that time:
- A “continuing resolution” must be adopted by the end of the month to keep the government funded. Failure to do so could lead to a government shutdown.
- A bill to protect same-sex marriage under federal law is advancing in the Senate.The Respect for Marriage Act, introduced by Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), would guarantee legal marriage regardless of a couple’s sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. It currently appears to have enough two-party support to pass both the Senate and House.
- Legislation to simplify permitting for high-priority energy infrastructure projects is moving forward.The bill from Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) would make it easier to get federal approval for plants using fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewables. It is likely to be attached to the continuing resolution. Some House progressives have expressed doubts about the proposal.
- Bipartisan legislation to clarify presidential election vote-counting is advancing. The Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act, introduced by Collins and Manchin, appears to have the support of enough senators to avoid a filibuster.
