WASHINGTON, D.C. – The end of the year is approaching, which means a new congress will be in session soon. Until then, lawmakers on Capitol Hill are racing to finish a long legislative list before the year is up.
One of the top priorities congress is focusing on is making sure they can prevent a rail strike. With a 80-15 vote, the Senate passed to implement an agreement struck by President Biden and the rail unions. A second measure was proposed which would’ve included paid sick days but the Senate couldn’t get enough support to pass that measure.
While the democrats are still in control in both chambers, they’re trying to pass legislation that would provide federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriage. There was just enough republican support in the Senate to move that legislation through. The House is slated to vote on that as early as next week.
One of the most pressing items is funding the government. Congress has a December 16 deadline to pass legislation that funds the federal government. If they can’t figure out the funding for that, a government shutdown could happen.
These are just some of the items lawmakers are looking at, but in short, they have their hands full before they take their winter break.
