Government Funding & Potential Shutdown - Congress faces a September 30th deadline to avoid a government shutdown [2] - Pocket rescissions proposed by President Trump, which aim to cancel previously approved funding, are a key point of contention [2][3] - Democrats warn that unilateral clawbacks of previously approved funds would undermine bipartisanship needed to fund the government [3] - Senator Susan Collins opposes rescinding appropriated funds without congressional approval, calling it a violation of the law [3] - Disagreement over pocket rescissions is complicating funding negotiations between Congress, Democrats, and the White House [5][6] - House Democrats are prepared to withhold votes as leverage on issues including the Fed, CDC, and pocket rescissions [8] - Senate Democrats may take a different approach to the funding fight due to internal and external pressure [11] Epstein Files & Transparency - Lawmakers are returning to the issue of releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files [1] - Congressmen Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie will hold a joint news conference with Epstein victims [2][12] - A discharge petition is being pursued to compel a vote on releasing the Epstein files [16] - Republican leaders hoped a recess would diminish the issue's momentum, but it remains a focus [12][13] - There is public demand for transparency from the DOJ regarding the Epstein files [14] - Some Republicans feel pressure to release the files, creating a difficult situation for the White House [16] - Khanna and Massie may have enough votes to force a vote on the discharge petition [18] Federal Reserve & Political Influence - Senate Democrats are demanding a postponement of confirmation hearings for a Federal Reserve nominee [19] - Democrats are concerned about the attempted firing of Fed Governor Cook, viewing it as an attempt by Trump to control the Federal Reserve [20][21] - Democrats believe Trump wants to influence the Fed to lower interest rates [22][23] - Republicans may have private reservations about Trump's actions regarding the Fed's independence [24]