The Window is Now for Bipartisan Policy

In DC, big-ticket policy solutions are always a hard sell, made even harder by an upcoming election. By late spring, Congress’s focus shifts from legislating to campaigning, making the next four months the real window to secure movement on big-ticket items.

The compressed timeline matters, and what’s moving impacts the broader ecosystem. Here’s how:

·

Appropriators will be busy. Congress has a January 30 deadline to pass the remaining appropriations bill. These will be must-pass bills and, if passed, will allow appropriators to begin working on FY26 bills. The House generally passes bills out of the chamber by the August recess, although this has been difficult with such a slim majority.

Healthcare policy is needed. A group of bipartisan elected officials is floating healthcare proposals. While a compromised bill is unlikely by the end of the year, Congress will likely feel pressure to act early in 2026.

·Permitting reform has a narrow path. The House is clearing the decks this week and next with its big-ticket permitting bills. The Senate is moving slower. Expect the Senate to consider legislation within the policy window next year and then negotiate behind the scenes for a potential lame-duck package.

For those engaging in the policy space, the next few months are the moment to sharpen priorities, meet with offices, and move from education to action. Congress is about to enter a narrow governing window before campaign season fully locks down the agenda.