This week’s Federal Update covers Congressional activities of interest in Washington, D.C.
Congressional Branch activities of interest
Floor Activity
The Senate is in session this week. The partial government shutdown continues. A compilation of agency contingency plans for the shutdown may be found here.
FY 2026 Appropriations
As the government shutdown wraps up its sixth week, it becomes the longest government shutdown in American history. Democrats are holding firm on their demand to pair stopgap funding with an extension of healthcare subsidies while Republicans are set on passing a “clean” Continuing Resolution (CR).
Bills Introduced
The Guaranteeing Access and Innovation for National Artificial Intelligence (GAIN AI) Act (H.R. 5885)was introduced by Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. The bill would restrict the sale of AI chips to companies from arms embargoed countries if there is an unmet demand from American companies. Chairman Moolenaar says the goal of this bill is to “build sustained American AI dominance.” Read the press release here. Read the bill text here.
The AI-Related Job Impacts Clarity Act (S.3108) was introduced by Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Mark Warner (D-VA) this week. This bill would require companies and federal agencies to report AI related layoffs to be compiled into a publicly available report. According to the sponsors, a major goal of the bill is to ensure that AI technology leads to more opportunities for workers, rather than taking them away. Read the press release here. Read the bill text here.
Hearings
On November 6th, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) held a hearing titled, “Reforming Financial Transparency in Higher Education.” Senator Cassidy (R-LA) opened the hearing by asserting that the current student aid calculations are not functioning as intended. He expressed hope that the discussion would guide reforms to make college more accessible by providing students and parents with accurate financial information. Both the witnesses and participating members of Congress underscored the need for reform, not only to the financial aid system but also on the broader issue of rising college costs. HELP Committee member and Indiana Senator Banks did not participate in the hearing.
Watch the full hearing here.