Congress Faces Shutdown, Epstein Files, Stock Trading Battles/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Congress returns from recess facing a potential Oct. 1 shutdown, fierce battles over Epstein file disclosures, and pressure to ban lawmakers’ stock trading. With Trump pushing crime legislation and Republicans divided on funding strategy, September promises to be volatile. Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Leader John Thune must hold GOP unity as Democrats prepare for a fight.
Congress Fall Challenges Quick Looks
- Government shutdown deadline looms October 1
- Trump cancels $5B in foreign aid, fueling partisan distrust
- House divided over Epstein file disclosures, discharge petition possible
- Stock trading ban pressure mounts, GOP leaders stall
- Senate Republicans eye rule change to speed up nominations
- Trump presses for sweeping crime bill and D.C. police control
- Healthcare subsidies expiring, risking premium hikes for millions
- Appropriations fight splits GOP over short-term vs. long-term stopgaps
- Annual defense bill debate includes controversial crypto provisions
- Schumer warns Democrats won’t back another GOP-only deal
Congress Faces Shutdown, Epstein Files, Stock Trading Battles
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — When Congress returns Tuesday from its August recess, lawmakers face a packed agenda that could quickly spiral into a full-blown political crisis. At the top of the list: a looming Oct. 1 deadline to avert a government shutdown.
But that is only the beginning. Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune must also navigate combustible debates over the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s Justice Department files, a long-simmering push to ban congressional stock trading, President Donald Trump’s crime and policing agenda, and the expiration of key healthcare subsidies.
Shutdown Clock Ticking
The most urgent task is avoiding a shutdown. Senate GOP leaders favor a short-term stopgap to buy time for a bipartisan deal by year’s end. But conservatives in both chambers — backed by some in the Trump administration — want a year-long funding bill that enshrines GOP priorities and cuts.
The White House raised tensions Friday when Trump unilaterally clawed back $5 billion in foreign aid, prompting bipartisan backlash. Appropriations Chair Susan Collins blasted the move as “a clear violation of the law,” while Democrats warned it undermines trust in negotiations.
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, already under fire from his base for March’s bipartisan deal, warned: “If Republicans are insistent on going it alone, Democrats won’t be party to their destruction.”
Epstein Files Pressure
Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) are preparing a discharge petition to force a House vote requiring the DOJ to release Epstein-related files. Their move could put GOP leaders in a bind, especially after internal dissent over the issue paralyzed the House floor in July.
Victims of Epstein are expected to appear at a Capitol Hill press conference this week as the effort gains momentum.
“This issue has reached escape velocity,” Massie said, confident of reaching the 218 signatures needed to bypass leadership.
In the Senate, Democrats have set a Sept. 2 deadline for the DOJ to provide documents — with a lawsuit possible if the agency does not comply.
Stock Trading Ban
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) is pressing leadership to act on banning stock trades by lawmakers, threatening her own discharge petition if no progress comes by month’s end. Democrats are pushing for a broader bipartisan proposal, while Johnson has privately argued against restrictions, citing personal financial needs of members.
Nominations Gridlock
Republicans remain frustrated by Senate Democrats’ blockade of Trump’s nominees. Party leaders are weighing the “nuclear option” to speed confirmations by limiting debate time or bundling approvals. But unity is fragile — Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) has already voiced opposition.
Trump’s Crime Push
The Trump administration is drafting a comprehensive crime bill that would eliminate no-cash bail, codify recent executive orders, and expand federal authority over D.C. policing. Trump also wants $2 billion to “beautify” Washington, but Democrats are likely to block extending his 30-day takeover of the D.C. police beyond Sept. 9.
Republicans see crime as a winning midterm issue, though critics say it is meant to distract from the party’s divisions.
Healthcare Subsidies on the Line
Tax credits under the Affordable Care Act are set to expire, threatening higher premiums for millions. Vulnerable House Republicans support an extension, but conservatives are demanding Medicaid cuts as an offset — a red line for Democrats and some Senate Republicans.
The Road Ahead
Both chambers are trying to buy time by focusing on smaller measures this week: the House will vote on the 2026 Energy and Water bill, while the Senate advances the annual defense policy bill.
Still, with Epstein files, stock trading, healthcare subsidies, crime legislation, and a shutdown fight all converging, September is shaping up as one of the most volatile months on Capitol Hill in years.
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