House lawmakers have a lot on their plate as they return to the Capitol after a month-long government shutdown battle. With a laundry list of legislative priorities to tackle, the next few weeks will be crucial for lawmakers as they work to make up for lost time and address pressing issues facing the nation.
One of the top priorities for the House will be negotiating an annual defense policy bill. This legislation, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), sets the budget and policies for the Department of Defense and is considered a must-pass bill every year. However, due to the government shutdown, the House was unable to work on the NDAA, leaving it behind schedule. Now, with the government back up and running, lawmakers must make up for lost time and work quickly to pass the NDAA before the end of the fiscal year.
In addition to the NDAA, the House will also have to address other pressing issues, including immigration reform and healthcare. The government shutdown highlighted the need for comprehensive immigration reform, as the debate over funding for a border wall brought the issue to the forefront. With both parties eager to find a solution, the House will have to work together to find a bipartisan solution that addresses the concerns of both sides.
Healthcare will also be a top priority for the House as they try to find ways to improve and stabilize the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The recent ruling by a federal judge striking down the ACA has added urgency to the issue, as millions of Americans could potentially lose their healthcare coverage. Lawmakers will have to work quickly to find a solution that protects those who rely on the ACA for their healthcare needs.
In addition to these major issues, the House will also have to address other important legislative priorities, such as infrastructure, climate change, and gun control. These issues have been at the forefront of public discourse and have gained widespread attention in recent months. The House will have to work diligently to find common ground and pass legislation that addresses these pressing concerns.
The government shutdown not only delayed legislative progress but also caused financial strain for many federal workers and their families. As a result, the House will also have to prioritize passing a bill to provide back pay for federal employees who were furloughed or worked without pay during the shutdown. This is not only a matter of fairness but also a way to help these workers recover from the financial impact of the shutdown.
The next few weeks will be critical for the House as they work to make up for lost time and tackle these important issues. The government shutdown may have caused a delay, but lawmakers are determined to get back on track and make progress for the American people. With a renewed sense of urgency and a willingness to work together, the House has the opportunity to pass meaningful legislation that will positively impact the lives of millions of Americans.
As we move forward, it is important for both parties to put aside their differences and focus on finding common ground to address these pressing issues. The American people are counting on their elected representatives to work together and find solutions that will move the country forward. Let us hope that the House can rise to the occasion and make the most of the remaining legislative session.
