One could certainly make the argument that the 118th Congress is a minimalist organization. Since its inception in January 2023, this Congress has produced 63 bills that have been signed into law by the President.
Eleven of those bills named or renamed federal buildings. Three of them appointed or reappointed citizen regents of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. That leaves only 49 new laws with at least minor impact on government policy.
Given the large quantity and wide-ranging scope of new federal regulations that have been created by federal agencies over the same time period, an ordinary citizen could be left wondering how they are represented in our government as it currently (dys)functions.
Besides the federal budget for fiscal year 2025 which begins on October 1, one of the largest pieces of must-pass legislation before heading out on the campaign trail is the farm bill reauthorization. In addition to updating agricultural policies and programs, this bill also address federal government nutrition programs, rural development programs, and trade policies.
We do not anticipate any farm bill provisions that will make changes to your financial plan, but the time and political capital the it consumes will likely plug up the legislative pipeline and prevent other legislation from being considered.
Given the importance of being re-elected in November, both chambers of Congress will likely find time to vote on bills that have little chance of becoming law but serve as campaign fodder in the coming months.