(June 2, 2026) - As Congress reconvenes for its summer session, it does so amid a swirling pool of ill will. Despite significant progress already made on appropriations bills in both chambers, the bitterness of this year's election season has darkened perceptions of the budget endgame.
Over the past couple of weeks, President Donald Trump's control of the Senate has slipped significantly. By endorsing opponents who defeated two incumbent Senators in primaries, John Cornyn in Texas and Bill Cassidy in Louisiana, he secured nominees who will be loyal to him if elected in November. In exchange, the President may have lost otherwise reliable votes, creating a new de facto majority of Senators who owe him nothing. This has profound effects on how the Senate functions.
First, controversial budget items such as the White House ballroom construction plan and the lawfare compensation fund have the potential to bring business in the chamber to a halt. It's already difficult to pass legislation in the Senate, but without a functional majority, it will become even harder for Republican leader John Thune (R-SD) to rally support for difficult votes.
Second, it creates value for legislative items with a broad consensus. Since few items will be controversial, Senators will naturally focus on building consensus with one another to pass lower-profile bills that need to get done. We continue to work with Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, MD to provide any help we can to pass bills that fit this description. In play is a bill introduced by Senator Marshall to improve prior authorization turnaround times, prompt payment and network adequacy for Medicare Advantage plans, a bill supported by both Senators to reauthorize the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program and draft legislation championed by Senator Moran to address needed improvements in the Rural Emergency Hospital program.
Across the Capitol, the House of Representatives Labor-Health and Human Services-Education Committee spending bill for fiscal year 2027 will be worked on by the subcommittee this Friday. We will closely review the draft bill text, which is expected to be released on Thursday.