Congress Returns From Recess as Government Shutdown Looms, Cyber Policy and Farm Bill Top Agenda

After a month-long summer recess, members of Congress returned to Capitol Hill on Tuesday facing a packed agenda overshadowed by the threat of a government shutdown. With just three weeks before federal funding runs out on September 30, lawmakers are scrambling to bridge partisan divides over spending while also tackling pressing issues like cyber security and the stalled farm bill.

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Government Shutdown Concerns Dominate Session

At the center of congressional debates is the possibility of a partial government shutdown if lawmakers fail to pass a stopgap measure or reach a broader budget agreement. Both chambers are under pressure to finalize appropriations for defense, social programs, and federal agencies.

House Speaker Mark Donovan warned that “every day wasted brings us closer to unnecessary disruption,” while Senate leaders expressed cautious optimism about finding common ground. Still, divisions remain over proposed cuts and spending increases, particularly around military funding and social services.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, prolonged shutdowns cost the economy billions and erode public trust in government institutions. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, both parties are eager to avoid the political fallout of a shutdown but remain locked in negotiations.

Cyber Policy Takes Center Stage

Beyond budget fights, cyber security is expected to be a key priority this session. Lawmakers are preparing to review new legislation aimed at bolstering America’s defenses against foreign cyber threats and strengthening public-private cooperation.

The issue has taken on added urgency after a series of high-profile breaches this summer that targeted U.S. energy and transportation systems. Senator Lisa Carmichael, chair of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee, said, “The threats are evolving faster than our defenses. Congress has a duty to ensure critical infrastructure is resilient against attacks.”

Experts note that bipartisan cooperation may be more achievable on cyber policy compared to fiscal issues, as both parties acknowledge the growing risks posed by state-sponsored hacking campaigns.

Farm Bill Stalemate Continues

Meanwhile, the farm bill — which governs agricultural subsidies, nutrition programs, and rural development initiatives — has been left unresolved since last year. Lawmakers are under mounting pressure from farming communities to act, with many farmers struggling under rising costs and unpredictable climate conditions.

The bill’s delay has particularly affected small-scale producers who rely on federal assistance. Advocacy groups argue that without a renewed farm bill, rural economies could face long-term instability. The United States Department of Agriculture has urged Congress to expedite negotiations to avoid lapses in critical programs.

A Session Shaped by Deadlines and Divisions

With just weeks to avoid a shutdown, Congress is operating under intense scrutiny from both the public and the White House. President Donald Trump has urged lawmakers to prioritize “essential funding, border security, and strong protections for American farmers,” setting the stage for contentious debates in the coming days.

The next three weeks will likely define the political landscape leading into 2026. If Congress fails to reach a compromise, Americans could see disruptions in federal services, stalled infrastructure projects, and renewed uncertainty in markets already rattled by global economic pressures.