Information provided to members by OGR.

Congress returns this week facing two major unresolved challenges ahead of the Easter recess: funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the ongoing U.S. military conflict with Iran, now entering its fourth week. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has put senators on notice that the chamber will not break until the 38-day DHS funding standoff is resolved, while the House is expected to hold its own vote before departing Thursday.

The conflict with Iran also ​is raising serious questions about energy markets and national security spending. President Trump has submitted a $200 billion supplemental funding request tied to Iran military operations — a massive ask already sparking debate over the national debt, now at $39 trillion. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum will head to the CERAWeek conference in Houston this week, where industry leaders will be watching closely for signals on the conflict's duration and impact on energy prices.

In other key developments, President Trump announced a national AI framework last Friday, drawing swift praise from House Republicans who pledged a bipartisan push to advance the technology while protecting consumers. On the payments front, senators negotiating crypto market structure legislation with the White House are reporting progress, with a potential package that could be ready for committee consideration after the April recess.

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Information provided to members by OGR.

Congress returns to Washington this week for a short but important legislative window before both chambers break for the Easter recess. Lawmakers are navigating a complicated political environment as the partial government shutdown drags into its second month and international developments continue to influence economic and political messaging in Washington. The next two weeks will give policymakers limited time to move legislation before the spring break.
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In the House, leadership is expected to focus on a relatively narrow legislative agenda while committees begin ramping up activity tied to the upcoming budget and appropriations cycle. Several hearings and policy discussions scheduled this week may signal areas where lawmakers intend to focus in the months ahead, including issues relevant to financial services and data privacy.

The Senate, meanwhile, is preparing for a highly partisan debate on election-related legislation that could dominate the chamber’s floor time. Procedural hurdles and amendment votes are likely to stretch the debate across multiple days, highlighting ongoing tensions between the parties as the election cycle begins to shape the congressional agenda.

Outside Washington, key primary elections are also drawing attention as open congressional seats begin to reshape the political landscape ahead of the next Congress. These races are already attracting significant outside spending and could provide early signals about the policy priorities emerging in the next election cycle.

IPA members receive the full OGR Big Picture briefing each week with deeper insights into what these developments mean for the payments industry. Join the Innovative Payments Association to access the complete analysis and stay ahead of the policy and regulatory trends shaping payments

Information provided to members by OGR.

Policymakers in Washington are confronting a convergence of geopolitical and domestic challenges as the week begins. Escalating military operations involving Iran, rising gas prices affecting U.S. consumers, and continued disruptions at airports tied to the partial government shutdown are creating pressure across the political landscape. At the same time, the administration is working to address energy costs while navigating the economic and political implications of ongoing international developments.

On Capitol Hill, the Senate returns with a full agenda that includes advancing nominations and working toward passage of the Housing for the 21st Century Act. Lawmakers are also continuing discussions around election security legislation and potential changes to Senate rules. Meanwhile, negotiations related to cryptocurrency market structure legislation and permitting reform are progressing, with some senators optimistic that agreements could begin moving forward in the coming months.

In the House, Republicans are gathering for a policy retreat in Florida where much of the conversation is expected to center on upcoming budget and appropriations battles. Leaders are debating the possibility of pursuing another reconciliation package tied to spending cuts or revenue measures, though significant divisions remain within the conference over how such a proposal should be structured.

Beyond the immediate legislative agenda, several unexpected developments, including the nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security and Senator Steve Daines’ decision not to seek reelection, are already reshaping the Senate’s political dynamics and committee landscape heading into the next election cycle.

The IPA regularly shares insights like these with members to help them stay ahead of policy and regulatory developments shaping the payments ecosystem. Join the IPA to learn more about the issues impacting the industry.

The IPA is excited that Director Vought will join the Innovative Payments Conference in April.  The IPA regularly facilitates discussions between our membership and invited guests.  CFPB Director Cordray, CFPB Director Kraninger, prudential regulators serving both Republican and Democratic administrations, Members of Congress, and state regulators have participated in such discussions.  As we celebrate 20 years of industry leadership, we look forward to providing our members with a conference agenda that will help shape the future of the payments industry.  

For more information on the speaker lineup, CLE sessions, and registration details, you can view the official press release.

Information provided to members by OGR.

​As Congress returns to Washington this week, geopolitical events are quickly reshaping the legislative agenda. A surprise U.S. military strike on Iran has shifted immediate focus to war powers debates, potential floor votes in both chambers, and high-level briefings for lawmakers. Depending on how the situation unfolds, broader policy priorities could be delayed or significantly reframed in the weeks ahead.
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At the same time, Congress is juggling a packed domestic agenda. The Senate is moving forward on a bipartisan housing package with strong White House interest, while the House faces a shortened voting week amid continued tension over DHS funding. Key committees are advancing legislation on banking, tax administration, agriculture, and online safety — all of which could carry implications for the payments ecosystem, particularly as must-pass vehicles like the highway bill begin to take shape.

Beyond Washington, the first midterm primaries of the cycle — especially in Texas — are drawing national attention. Redistricting, high-profile primary challenges, and open seats could significantly reshape the composition of Congress. Early voting trends are already raising questions about voter enthusiasm and the broader political environment heading into the general election.

For IPA members, OGR’s weekly Big Picture provides deeper analysis of what these developments mean for the regulatory and legislative landscape affecting payments. This overview offers just a snapshot. To access the full briefing and stay ahead of fast-moving policy shifts, consider joining the IPA.