This week: Congress returns for the new year
Congress returns to Washington, D.C., today to kick off the second session of the 119th Congress. At the top of its priority list will be funding the federal government past its Jan. 30 expiration.
The Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agriculture, Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction, and Congressional operations are currently funded through the end of the fiscal year, Sept. 30. However, if outstanding appropriations bills for other departments and programs aren’t passed before the end of the month, a partial government shutdown could occur.
The House Small Business Committee will conduct its first hearing of the year focused on how the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy is cutting red tape. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, starting at 10 a.m. Eastern.
The Governmental Affairs Conference 2026 is also approaching, with registration still open for the credit union system’s largest advocacy event. Happening March 1-5 in Washington, D.C., the event will bring thousands of credit union advocates to engage policymakers, hear from dynamic keynoters (including Adam Grant and Kindra Hall), and more, with additional announcements to come.