Alston & Bird’s Legislative & Public Policy Group previews the week ahead highlighting anticipated federal legislative, regulatory, and political activity, and key upcoming actions in Congress, the Administration, and relevant policy arenas.
Election 2026
- Primary elections will be held Tuesday in Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Virginia, and Washington state.
Administration
- Oman continues to facilitate discussions between the United States and Iran on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, the broader conflict remains fluid, with no substantive talks underway on a comprehensive peace agreement.
- Jay Clayton will succeed Bill Pulte as director of national intelligence (DNI) on Monday. Pulte currently serves as acting director and also heads the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
House
- The House is in recess until August 31.
Senate
- Senate Appropriations leaders reached a bipartisan agreement to fund the government through December 11 via a continuing resolution (CR) and is expected to vote on the measure today. The House passed an alternative CR extending funding through December 4 before adjourning earlier this month. The House is expected to pass the Senate version before September 30 to avoid a government shutdown.
- The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote Tuesday morning on Todd Blanche’s nomination as Attorney General after two key Republican Senators reached a deal with the Administration over the weekend. Blanche could receive a full Senate vote as early as Saturday if Senate leaders do not reach a time agreement with Democrats.
- Senate Republican leaders may also consider legislation addressing Russian sanctions and cryptocurrency before leaving for August recess at the end of the week.
Key Hearings
August 4, 2026
- Senate Finance Committee: Building a Resilient Health Care Future with Biotechnology
- Senate Budget Committee: Medicaid: The Reality
- Senate Judiciary Committee: Executive Business Meeting: Nomination of Todd Blanche to be Attorney General of the United States
- Senate Judiciary Committee: Prescribing Sunshine: How Competition & Transparency Lowers Prescription Drug Costs
August 5, 2026
- Senate Finance Committee: Exploring Process Approaches for Addressing Social Security Solvency
Executive Order, Action & Proclamation Task Force
Alston & Bird's multidisciplinary Executive Order, Action & Proclamation Task Force advises clients on the business and legal implications of President Trump's Executive Orders.
Learn more about administrative actions on our tracker.