Senate Returns for Final Legislative Push Ahead of Midterms
Senate returns to Washington for key votes on crypto, college sports, and AI as midterms approach.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, United States — The Senate is back in session after a five-week break, with a packed agenda as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming midterm elections.
The chamber has postponed a government funding battle until after the November vote, avoiding a potential shutdown. Now, it’s focusing on several high-profile bills, including cryptocurrency regulation and a college sports rights measure.
A procedural vote on the Clarity Act, a major crypto bill, is scheduled for Tuesday. While GOP leaders have revised the legislation following months of bipartisan talks, securing enough support from Democrats remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the Protect College Sports Act, backed by major athletic conferences and the White House, faces opposition from some lawmakers and advocacy groups, who argue it lacks input from Black athletes and HBCUs.
The Senate may also consider reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which expired in June. Lawmakers had previously agreed to extend its authority, but the plan was derailed by President Trump’s nomination of Bill Pulte to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
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Other priorities include advancing the Farm bill, confirming nominees, and addressing a third reconciliation effort that includes funding for the Iran war, agricultural aid, and elements of the SAVE America Act. However, this push appears unlikely to gain traction in the Senate.
The House is also returning to work, though it will likely recess again after the midterms. Both chambers are under pressure to address artificial intelligence regulations, with some lawmakers pushing for immediate action while others urge caution.
House Speaker Mike Johnson called for industry collaboration rather than a rushed moratorium, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged an all-senators briefing on AI policy. Meanwhile, Senator Bernie Sanders introduced a bill to ban superintelligence, signaling growing concerns about the technology’s risks.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
