Fall 2018 Hill Watch

Congress returns after Labor Day with only a few weeks to resolve government funding and expiring programs before attention shifts to the November elections.

The Senate’s to-do list includes Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court, with several days of hearings planned. Republican leaders want to confirm him in time for the term that begins in October.

Both chambers are working to send President Donald Trump as many full-year appropriations bills as possible, along with a continuing resolution for other departments.

Negotiators are also working on a bill to reauthorize farm programs that begin to expire Sept. 30, though proposed work requirements for food stamp recipients have been a sticking point. Lawmakers are also trying to reach a deal on legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration and provide a framework for self-driving vehicles.

Bloomberg Government’s Fall 2018 Hill Watch explores these issues, along with updates in 20 policy areas, including the environment, health care, immigration, labor, regulation, retirement, and taxes.