— GOVERNMENT FUNDING: Johnson wants the House to pass a “clean” government funding bill that would float federal operations until Dec. 4 — hoping to instigate a staredown with Democrats after two record-breaking shutdowns this Congress.
The gambit, however, risks alienating members of his own party who want the partisan elections overhaul bill attached to all legislation.
But so far hard-liners, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, are signaling they’ll let it slide this time.
Harris warned Mia, though, that “if Democrats want to shut down the government,” then it’s time to play hardball and fund the TSA, FAA and military salaries through reconciliation.
— BUDGET RESOLUTION: Leaders are putting a $95 billion fiscal blueprint on the floor that includes a watered-down version of the elections bill as well as Iran war and farm aid funds.
Rep. Thomas Massie told us last week he’s “probably a no” on the resolution, and Rep. Warren Davidson hinted he and others could tank the effort — though Davidson cautioned there’s still “a lot of time” to make a deal.
Deficit hawks are irked the bill wouldn’t be entirely paid for, though, and ultraconservatives don’t love that the SAVE America Act isn’t included in full.
— STOCK TRADING: Republicans will likely have to rely on their own members to get this GOP-led bill over the finish line. And, GOP leaders are planning to link it to a separate measure that would implement stricter voter ID laws many Democrats have opposed.
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/20/congress/johnson-rocky-sprint-to-recess-01004728