Recess on the Line: Congress Races to Resolve DHS, Iran, and More

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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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