Disclaimer: Many of the developments discussed below are fluid and may change rapidly. The information is relevant and accurate as of 12:00 p.m. EDT on October 1, 2026.
Permitting Reform Advances in the Senate
Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) announced an agreement on the text of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. This legislation aims to streamline permitting, accelerate the development of energy infrastructure projects, and provide permitting certainty. The Senate is not expected to consider the bill until lawmakers return to Congress after the midterm elections in November.
During a press conference, Sen. Whitehouse (D-RI) noted that negotiations over offshore wind within the bill text are ongoing, but the Trump administration offered a fair starting point. Sen. Capito (R-WV) expressed optimism that the bill will move through the voting process shortly after the Senate returns from recess. Congress has until January 3, 2027, to approve the legislation. If the bill is not passed before the conclusion of the 119th Congress, it will need to be reintroduced during the 120th Congress.
Takeaway: The release of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 marks a significant step for Senate permitting reform efforts, though key provisions remain under negotiation. The bill could be influenced by the political landscape following the midterm elections and faces an unclear path forward in the House.
Pocket Rescission
The Trump Administration is seeking to rescind nearly $1 billion in appropriations funding that was previously approved by Congress. The proposed reductions primarily target immigration programs within Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Education (DOE).
Under the rescissions process, members of Congress generally have 45 days to review proposed spending cancellations before they take effect. However, the cuts were announced with five days remaining in the fiscal year while the House of Representatives was out of session. President Trump has previously used a pocket rescission to prevent $4.9 billion in appropriated funding for foreign aid.
Takeaway: The proposed pocket rescission by the Trump Administration could shape future appropriations by raising questions about how approved funding may be modified after enactment.
Redistricting
The Supreme Court blocked Missouri’s new congressional map ahead of the midterm elections. The new map would have added a Republican-leaning seat by redrawing a district held by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-5). The Court’s decision was issued without noted dissents. In the majority opinion the Court stated, “At this late date, ordering reversion to the 2025 map in the midst of an ongoing election would usher in electoral chaos.”
Nine states have successfully adopted new congressional maps ahead of the midterm elections:
- California: +5 Democrat-leaning seats
- Utah: +1 Democrat-leaning seat
- Texas: +5 Republican-leaning seats
- Louisiana: +1 Republican-leaning seat
- Alabama: +1 Republican-leaning seat
- Tennessee: +1 Republican-leaning seat
- North Carolina: +1 Republican-leaning seat
- Florida: +4 Republican-leaning seats
- Ohio: +2 Republican-leaning seats
Takeaway: The Supreme Court revoked Missouri’s new congressional map ahead of the midterm elections. Broader redistricting challenges across states will have a significant impact on the partisan balance of the House of Representatives.
