Congress Balances Shutdown Fears, CDC Turmoil, and Ethics Overhaul in High-Stakes Return

Congressional leaders are facing a crowded agenda as lawmakers return to Washington following an August recess, with multiple high-stakes issues set to dominate proceedings. The potential for a government shutdown looms large, alongside ongoing battles over the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a renewed push to probe Joe Biden, and a bipartisan effort to impose a stock trading ban on lawmakers.

The most immediate priority is to prevent a government shutdown at the end of September. Negotiations on a short-term spending bill remain stalled, with Democrats demanding concessions and Republicans resisting. President Donald Trump has already begun reversing previously approved spending decisions, including blocking $4.9 billion in foreign aid. These moves complicate efforts to secure a bipartisan agreement, with Senate Democrats warning that such actions are designed to provoke a shutdown.

In the Senate, a major focus will be on Trump’s nominees, particularly in the wake of recent turbulence at the CDC. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed top officials and pushed controversial anti-vaccine policies, leading to resignations and a growing backlash from public health experts. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and others are reportedly considering rule changes to bypass Democratic delays in confirming Trump’s nominees. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, has called for an oversight hearing on the CDC’s leadership crisis and urged the agency to delay a planned vaccine advisory meeting.

On the House side, investigations into Joe Biden’s mental state will continue. The House Oversight Committee plans to conduct interviews with former top aides in September, including Jeff Zients and Karine Jean-Pierre. Committee Chair James Comer has indicated public hearings and a full report could be released in the fall.

Another key issue is the ongoing debate over the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. House members are pushing for greater transparency from the Trump administration, with Democratic and Republican representatives alike calling for the Justice Department to release more information. A news conference featuring Epstein victims is planned, and the House Oversight Committee is also examining the matter.

Meanwhile, a bipartisan bill is gaining traction to ban lawmakers and their families from trading individual stocks. The proposal, spearheaded by Rep. Seth Magaziner and backed by a broad coalition of lawmakers, would require current members to sell stocks within 180 days and future lawmakers within 90 days of taking office. While supporters argue it addresses conflicts of interest, opponents claim it imposes unnecessary burdens and duplicates existing laws against insider trading.

These developments highlight the complex and contentious landscape as Congress returns to session. The interplay between political strategy, public health, and financial ethics will shape the coming months, with significant implications for governance and policy.

Source: [1] White House defends Robert F Kennedy Jr amid CDC turmoil (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cedv3gg3x6xo) [2] RFK Jr. tightens grip on public health and vaccines with ... (https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/28/politics/rfk-susan-monarez-cdc-director-ousted-vaccines-analysis) [3] White House names RFK Jr deputy as replacement CDC ... (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy3zjxy3dwo) [4] Government shutdown, CDC fight, Epstein probe, stock ... (https://fortune.com/2025/08/31/government-shutdown-cdc-rfk-jr-epstein-probe-stock-trading-ban-congress/) [5] Bipartisan Bill Pushes Congress Toward Stock Trading Ban (https://www.tipranks.com/news/bipartisan-bill-pushes-congress-toward-stock-trading-ban)