As lawmakers return to Washington this week, Congress is preparing for a politically turbulent fall, with heated debates ahead on government funding, the Jeffrey Epstein case files, and President Donald Trump’s crime and policing agenda.
After months of rising tensions over immigration crackdowns, the deployment of the National Guard in Washington, DC, and several high-profile dismissals, Democrats are positioning themselves for a strong pushback against Trump’s policies.
The first major test arrives with the September 30 government funding deadline, which is expected to spark an intense battle between Republicans and Democrats. Democrats are pushing for tighter restrictions on Trump’s executive power and a rollback of key domestic policies, while the White House is signaling it will not make concessions.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune face additional challenges, including a floor fight over the release of the Epstein case files. A bipartisan move led by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) seeks to force the Trump administration to hand over all relevant documents, bypassing party leadership through a discharge petition.
In the Senate, Republicans are under pressure following Trump’s controversial firing of a Senate-confirmed CDC official, as well as growing disputes at the Federal Reserve, where former Governor Lisa Cook is suing after her removal. GOP leaders are also weighing rule changes to speed up Trump’s appointments, with some members suggesting expanded presidential powers through recess appointments.
Adding to the legislative tension, Trump has introduced a new crime bill, promising to target what he described as a “juvenile crime wave.” The package is expected to further heighten partisan clashes. A separate mid-September vote on extending Trump’s authority to deploy the National Guard in DC policing will also test bipartisan cooperation, as it requires 60 Senate votes.
Democratic leaders, including Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, have accused Trump of undermining Congress’ constitutional authority, calling his moves an “unlawful scam” and warning against a slide toward authoritarianism. In contrast, the White House remains confident Democrats will ultimately agree to avoid a shutdown without significant concessions.
As both sides dig in, the coming weeks are shaping up to be one of the most contentious congressional sessions in recent years.
