In the upcoming weeks, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer faces a packed agenda, ranging from the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to addressing lapsing surveillance authorities and foreign aid issues. Senators are set to be sworn in as jurors for the Mayorkas trial on Wednesday, with Schumer emphasizing the importance of their presence, hinting at the potential for a swift dismissal with a simple majority vote.
Schumer has engaged in discussions with Speaker Mike Johnson regarding foreign aid, stressing the urgency of passing the Senate-approved package, which includes funds for countries like Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as humanitarian assistance. However, Johnson has yet to commit to the Senate bill, and his proposed alternative paths for foreign aid remain uncertain.
Baltimore Bridge (Credits: CBS News)
Expressing a sense of urgency, Schumer urges Speaker Johnson and House Leadership to prioritize the Senate’s bipartisan supplemental package, expressing confidence that it would pass if brought to the House floor. Additionally, Schumer emphasizes the need for swift bipartisan action once the House passes legislation reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which is set to lapse on April 19.
Schumer also mentions potential bipartisan efforts to address infrastructure issues, such as the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, but acknowledges that such endeavors would require cooperation across party lines. Other legislative priorities include reauthorizing legislation concerning the Federal Aviation Administration and addressing issues like rail safety, cannabis banking, and expanding the Child Tax Credit, as well as potential action on the House-passed TikTok legislation.
