Key Issues in Congress this Spring

This week’s recess is allowing stakeholders and congressional offices alike to take a breath and consider what will be a priority over the next few months. Here’s what you need to be watching when the House and Senate return next week:

FY26 Appropriations: Now that FY25 spending is locked in for the remainder of the fiscal year, appropriators can turn their attention to FY26. Some congressional offices have already opened and closed their budget and earmark portals while others were waiting to finalize FY25 spending. Once the appropriations committees set a deadline for office priorities, the appropriations conversations will intensify. Expect heated discussions around defense spending, climate initiatives, and healthcare funding.

Reconciliation: Republicans are beginning serious talks with one another, leadership, and the parliamentarian about what can be included in a reconciliation bill to extend tax cuts from Trump along with various other party priorities. Stakeholders should be prioritizing both the proactive – including tax cuts and other priorities in the baseline text – as well as defensive – preventing priorities from being included as a pay-for.

Regulatory Rollbacks: Utilizing the Congressional Review Act (CRA), Republicans are positioned to target Biden-era regulations, particularly in energy and environmental protection. Congress only has a limited time to move these rollbacks through before the deadline expires.

Defense Authorization (NDAA): While it seems early to think about NDAA, many congressional offices are now accepting recommendations on what they should prioritize within the annual defense bill. If your organization is looking to engage, this spring is the time to do so.