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.
Administration
- President Trump will host Chinese President Xi during a three-day visit to Washington, D.C. The two leaders are expected to discuss artificial intelligence, trade, and foreign affairs before Thursday’s state dinner at the White House.
- Earlier in the week, Trump will travel to New York, where he will address the United Nations General Assembly and hold bilateral meetings with world leaders.
House
- The House is in recess until after the midterm elections and is scheduled to return Monday, November 9.
Senate
- The Senate returns Tuesday and will resume debate on the Protect College Sports Act. A final vote is expected later in the week.
- A bipartisan group of Senators is nearing agreement on permitting reform legislation, though negotiators may hold off on finalizing a deal until House leadership agrees to take up the bill.
- Senate Majority Leader Thune may seek a floor vote on the House-passed Ratepayer Protection Act, which would prohibit data centers from passing their power costs on to other customers.
Key Hearings
September 23, 2026
- Senate Judiciary Committee: Standing Up for Women in Sports: Ensuring Opportunity, Fairness, and Safety for Female Athletes
- Senate Special Committee on Aging: Leveling the Playing Field: Restoring America’s Edge in Generic Drug Manufacturing
September 24, 2026
- Senate Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions Committee: Nomination of Heidi Overton to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs
- Senate Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions Committee: Nominations and S. 4428, No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026
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.