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These actions end a months-long standoff over immigration enforcement funding. While Republicans finally passed the package, the effort was not without complications, many added by the Trump administration. These included the over $1 billion Secret Service funding provision tied to security enhancements for the proposed White House East Wing ballroom project and the administration’s proposed $1.8 billion Justice Department “anti-weaponization” fund. Now that “reconciliation 2.0” has passed, attention among Republicans has started to shift to a possible third reconciliation package. Despite growing interest, Republican leadership has yet to coalesce around specific proposals that would be included. With narrow Republican majorities and a limited legislative calendar, the chances of another reconciliation package are very slim.

Surveillance Standoff. Congress this week failed to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) before it is set to expire today. Lawmakers are deadlocked over targeted surveillance reforms and President Trump's appointment of Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI). The House this week voted on a short-term extension (to July 2), but this measure failed, with most Democrats and 18 Republicans voting against it (these Republicans had concerns about the surveillance authority itself). The Senate also tried passing a short-term extension through unanimous consent, but it also failed. Many Republicans argue that the FISA extension is needed, particularly with upcoming major security events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations. Democrats argue that President Trump should nominate someone more qualified for the intelligence role and that his selection of Pulte also poses a significant danger. While existing FISA Court certifications allow much of the program to continue operating through next March, lawmakers and industry groups have raised concerns that prolonged uncertainty over the authority could complicate future intelligence collection efforts as well as cooperation from communication providers concerned whether they will be protected from liability during the Section 702 lapse. Following the failed votes in both chambers, President Trump announced his intention to nominate Jay Clayton as DNI Director. While this is a welcome nomination by lawmakers in both parties, it remains unclear if it will be enough to break the impasse.

See t his week's Washington Weekly .