U.S. Congress Returns With Lengthy To-Do List as Sen. Lindsey Graham's Death Hangs Over Capitol Hill

The SAVE America Act: A Legislative Logjam

The most immediate challenge facing House Speaker Mike Johnson is the blockade on the House floor by Republican hardliners demanding passage of the SAVE America Act in the Senate. President Trump has pushed the legislation to include bans on mail-in voting and transgender athletes' participation in women's sports, though Johnson acknowledged that the mail ballot prohibition "is a bigger reach."

The hardliners rejected Johnson's proposal to merge the SAVE Act with the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The standoff forced Johnson to send the House home early for the Fourth of July recess. A proposed solution involves using the budget reconciliation process — which only requires a simple majority — but this path is complicated by Graham's death, as the late senator was the Budget Committee chairman who would have led the effort.

Russia Sanctions: A Legislative Memorial

Graham's death has galvanized bipartisan support for a long-stalled Russia sanctions bill. The package, which Graham announced an agreement on with the Trump administration just days before his death, would impose sanctions and tariffs on countries doing business with Russia — particularly those purchasing Russian oil.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), who co-led the effort, called it one of Graham's "most consequential efforts" and urged passage as "the most fitting memorial" to his legacy. The bill now has momentum it lacked for over a year while waiting for the administration's go-ahead.

FISA and National Security

The lapse of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act on June 12 remains unresolved. While the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court recertified the program through March, national security concerns persist. The path to renewal has been complicated by Trump's temporary appointment of Bill Pulte to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and his demand that Clayton's replacement as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York be confirmed first.

Confirmation Hearings This Week

Two key confirmation hearings are scheduled for Wednesday, July 15:

How to Prepare

For readers following these developments:

What happens to Senator Lindsey Graham's seat?

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a replacement to serve until a special election can be held. The timing and process are governed by South Carolina state law.

What is the SAVE America Act?

The SAVE America Act is a voting regulations bill championed by President Trump. It includes voter ID requirements and, in its expanded form pushed by Trump, bans on mail-in voting and transgender athletes in women's sports. It lacks sufficient GOP support in the Senate.

Why is FISA Section 702 important?

Section 702 allows the U.S. government to collect foreign intelligence without a warrant. It expired on June 12, 2026, and while the FISA court recertified the program temporarily, national security experts warn that the lapse creates vulnerabilities.

What is the Russia sanctions bill?

The bill would impose sanctions and tariffs on countries that do business with Russia, particularly those buying Russian oil. It was a priority of the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

How many legislative days remain before the recess?

The House has just eight legislative days left before a five-week August recess. The Senate is scheduled to be in Washington through the first week of August.

Do you think Congress can overcome its internal divisions and pass key legislation before the August recess? Share your thoughts below!

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