Republican Mitch McConnell returns to U.S. Senate after 3-month absence

The U.S. Senate returns to Washington on Monday after a five-week recess, with several legislative priorities to tackle before lawmakers depart for the midterm elections. Following a successful delay of a government funding battle until after the November midterms, the chamber now plans to address a range of issues, including cryptocurrency legislation and a college sports bill.

On Tuesday, the Senate is scheduled to vote on the cryptocurrency bill, known as the Clarity Act, which aims to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets. However, the bill's success hinges on securing the necessary 60 votes for advancement. In parallel, Senate Republicans are striving to advance a bipartisan bill regulating college athletics, including name, image, and likeness rights and transfer eligibility, while the White House backs the Protect College Sports Act.

Despite some opposition from lawmakers and advocacy groups, the bill's future in the Senate remains uncertain. The Senate may also consider reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, following an expired bipartisan deal, although President Trump's selection of Bill Pulte as Director of National Intelligence has caused disruption.

The chamber is also expected to work on the Farm bill, which stalled during the recess due to Senator Mitch McConnell's absence. Meanwhile, a third reconciliation push aimed at securing funds for the Iran war, aid to farmers, and elements of the president's voting regulations bill, the SAVE America Act, is unlikely to be addressed in the Senate.

Both chambers are returning from their respective five-week recesses on Monday, with the House scheduled to depart again at the end of the week, not expected to return until after the midterms. However, both chambers face pressure to address artificial intelligence regulation, with lawmakers expressing concerns and proposing legislation such as banning superintelligence or implementing a 'kill switch.'

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called for decisive action during the House's meeting, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sought an all-senators briefing from administration officials on AI. House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested a meeting with industry leaders at the White House, emphasizing the need for corporate responsibility.