Three Weeks Until Adjournment
With only three weeks remaining in the legislative session, legislative leaders have officially begun end-of-session negotiations as they look for consensus or compromise. These discussions have generally centered on a short list of session priorities, including a capital investment and infrastructure package, measures to reduce gun violence and improve school safety, and proposals targeting program integrity and fraud prevention.
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate are also busy working to pass bills through their respective bodies, which can mean lengthy debates and floor sessions. Significant work remains if legislative leaders hope to reach an agreement and get legislation passed before their constitutional deadline to adjourn on May 18, 2026.
Ongoing Negotiations
On Tuesday, April 21, Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders again met to discuss a process to conclude the 2026 legislative session. Gov. Walz described the discussions as largely informational and focusing on the fiscal situation of the state. Walz also said that he does not plan to sign any bills that do not reduce the structural imbalance in the state budget and that he wants to keep state spending to a minimum.
Omnibus Bills Passed by Senate and House of Representatives
Work on omnibus policy and finance bills continues, as each chamber began the process of debating and voting on their respective initiatives this week. The omnibus bills that have been passed to date include:
House of Representatives
Senate
Gov. Walz Introduces New PAC
Gov. Tim Walz announced the formation of the “Small Town PAC,” a new federal political action committee (PAC) designed to “show up in small towns” and, according to Gov. Walz, “organize in places too many people have given up on and build power with the folks who call these places home.” Walz sad he hoped the PAC will drive Democrats to show up in more rural places in order to win those districts. The announcement of the Small Town PAC drew criticism from many conservatives argued that Walz’s values do not align with rural communities.
Important Dates
Congress returns to Washington facing a highly compressed and consequential legislative week that will shape the trajectory of the remainder of the year. Heightened security concerns following a recent incident in Washington are also adding urgency to ongoing debates around federal law enforcement, intelligence authorities, and funding priorities.
At the center of congressional activity is the pending expiration of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which is set to lapse later this week. House leadership is working to advance a revised reauthorization package after prior attempts stalled. Passage will likely require a bipartisan path, with House leadership balancing internal Republican divisions alongside the need for Democratic support. If approved, the measure will move quickly to the Senate, where timing constraints and amendment negotiations could complicate final passage before the deadline.
Simultaneously, Congress is under pressure to address funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has been operating without full appropriations for an extended period. House leadership is prioritizing passage of a broader budget resolution as a precursor to DHS funding, though divisions remain within the conference regarding scope and policy priorities. The outcome of these negotiations will be critical, particularly given the operational implications for agencies such as TSA, Secret Service, and Customs and Border Protection.
The House is also expected to consider a farm bill and additional policy measures this week, while the Senate resumes a full schedule of hearings and nominations. Notably, appropriations activity is accelerating, with multiple Cabinet officials testifying before subcommittees as Congress begins laying the groundwork for FY2027 funding decisions.
On the political front, early dynamics in key Senate races are beginning to take shape. Competitive Democratic primaries in several states are drawing increased attention, with divisions between moderate and progressive candidates emerging as a potential factor in general election competitiveness. These developments come as both parties begin positioning for control of the Senate in the upcoming election cycle.
This week represents a pivotal moment for congressional leadership as they navigate overlapping deadlines, internal divisions, and external political pressures. Outcomes on FISA, DHS funding, and the budget framework will provide important signals on the ability of Congress to govern through the remainder of the year.
LHPA will continue to monitor developments closely, engage with congressional offices, and advocate on your behalf to ensure your priorities are advanced as legislative and funding decisions move forward.
