As Congress reconvenes, it faces a significant backlog of legislative responsibilities, including a crucial immigration enforcement funding package. The $72 billion budget reconciliation bill, aimed at providing three years of funding for ICE and U.S. Border Patrol, failed to advance in the Senate. This delay jeopardizes its passage by President Donald Trump’s June 21 deadline.

Immigration and DOJ Fund Controversy

The bill’s progress was stalled due to disagreements over including restrictions on the Department of Justice’s new ‘anti-weaponization fund.’ A temporary restraining order from Judge Leonie Brinkema has halted the fund’s creation until June 12, potentially aiding Republican leaders in regaining necessary votes.

Privacy Concerns with FISA 702

Another pressing issue is the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Lawmakers are divided over privacy protections, with some arguing that FISA 702 infringes on Americans’ Fourth Amendment rights by allowing warrantless surveillance of electronic communications. The current extension expires on June 12, and a resolution remains elusive.

Housing and Other Legislative Challenges

Congress also faces debates over the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The House amended the bill to ease restrictions on private equity firms buying single-family homes, a move that may face resistance in the Senate. Additionally, progress is needed on the bipartisan Farm Bill, a $580 billion federal highway bill, and the SECURE Data Act, which focuses on data privacy.

Despite these challenges, the House does not plan to vote until Wednesday. This delay highlights a broader issue, as Congress has spent more days in recess than in session this year, according to Congress.gov.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.