The House of Representatives is back in session this week, having reconvened after a legislative break that began on July 23. However, this return to Washington is brief, lasting less than a week, while the Senate is not slated to resume its work until September 14.
This compressed schedule, with lawmakers briefly gathering only to depart again for the Labor Day holiday, draws comparisons to the final preseason game in professional football. Early preseason matches often generate excitement, offering the first glimpse of new teams and highly anticipated draft picks. Yet, by the third preseason game, the stakes have diminished; roster decisions are largely made, and even dedicated fans attend with less fervor, anticipating the start of the regular season.
A similar sentiment pervades Capitol Hill. Much of the year's significant legislative work has been addressed. The proposed Republican