Republicans battle déjà vu as they return to tackle reconciliation bill, FISA extension |
Republicans battle déjà vu as they return to tackle reconciliation bill, FISA extension
Republicans on Capitol Hill are battling a bad case of déjà vu, as intraparty disputes over an immigration enforcement funding package and an extension of the government’s warrantless spying powers have left lawmakers no closer to a resolution on the two matters than they were a month ago.
Senate Republicans departed Washington last week without passing the reconciliation package to fund immigration enforcement after disagreements over a $1.776 billion so-called “anti-weaponization fund” derailed plans to move the measure before President Trump’s self-imposed June 1 deadline. At the same time, privacy hawks have continued to press for a warrant requirement, and a permanent central bank digital currency (CBDC) ban in any long-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which is set to expire in mid-June.
The lack of action on both fronts has fueled frustration among Republicans, many of whom had hoped to notch major legislative victories as the midterm election cycle ramps up.
“You know, this can be a very frustrating place. There’s no question about that, but yeah, I wish we could get more done,” said Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), who was defeated in the Georgia Senate GOP primary.
“I think we’re living in a little bit of dysfunction and chaos,” Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said.
The immigration package and FISA extension are not the only items languishing on Republicans’ legislative to-do list. The upper chamber has yet to take up the House-passed farm bill and housing bill, and any changes to either measure would require sending them back to the House for another vote.
Meanwhile, Republicans are acknowledging that the outlook is bleak for a potential third party-line package they hope to pass without Democratic votes that........