The House is scheduled to consider a broad range of legislation spanning public safety, judicial and financial oversight, technology and cybersecurity, and international trade. But all eyes are turned towards the January 30 funding deadline to avoid another partial government shutdown. As that day approaches, both chambers are working rapidly to advance as many FY26 appropriations measures as possible within the narrowing window.

Last Thursday, the House passed a three‑bill appropriations “minibus” (H.R. 6938), which includes the Commerce‑Justice‑Science, Energy‑Water, and Interior‑Environment funding bills. This package now heads to the Senate for consideration. Their enactment would leave six additional appropriations bills to consider. Over the weekend, House and Senate appropriators released compromise versions of the FY2026 Financial Services and National Security–State appropriations bills, though they were unable to finalize the Homeland Security bill, which had been slated for inclusion. The resulting two‑bill, $76.3 billion package may receive a House vote this week.

In the Senate, lawmakers are expected to consider a war powers resolution prohibiting U.S. military action against Venezuela without congressional authorization. Senate Democrats, joined by five Republicans, voted last Thursday to discharge Sen. Tim Kaine’s joint resolution (S.J. Res. 98) from committee, following recent U.S. military operations in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

Meanwhile, Congressional Democrats are drafting legislation to prevent federal funds from being used to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, expressing concerns that plans by the Trump administration to revitalize Venezuelan oil production would disproportionately benefit major energy companies. Rep. Mike Levin (D‑CA) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D‑OR) are preparing companion measures they intend to introduce this week.

Congressional Hearings of Interest This Week: 

House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on Protecting America’s Energy Infrastructure. Today at 10:15 AM (details here)

House Committee on Foreign Affairs will hold a hearing on winning the A.I. arms race against China. Tomorrow at 9:30 AM (details here)

House Science, Space, and Technology committee will hold a hearing on assessing America’s A.I. plan. Tomorrow at 10:00 AM (details here)

House Committee on Education and Workforce will hold a hearing on building an A.I. ready America. Tomorrow at 10:15 AM (details here)