Congress Faces Showdown Over Funding, Epstein Files, and Trump’s Policing Agenda
Congress is gearing up for a heated and politically charged fall as lawmakers return to Washington on Tuesday. On the agenda: a looming government funding crisis, explosive battles over the Jeffrey Epstein files, and President Donald Trump’s aggressive push on crime and policing.
Democrats Prepare for a Fight
After months of escalating tensions — from Trump’s nationwide deportation drive to National Guard deployments in Washington, D.C., and a string of controversial firings — Democrats are signaling they’re ready to push back.
The first major clash will come over government funding. With a September 30 deadline approaching, Republicans and Democrats are locked in a high-stakes standoff that could lead to a shutdown. Democrats are demanding stricter checks on Trump’s power and a rollback of his key domestic policy law, while the White House insists it won’t make concessions.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune now face the difficult task of managing these battles while keeping the government running.
Epstein Files Spark Bipartisan Drama
One of the most contentious issues involves the release of Jeffrey Epstein case files. Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) are pushing a bill that would require the Trump administration to hand over all Epstein-related material.
To bypass party leadership, the pair are using a discharge petition, which would force a vote if they can collect 218 signatures. While Khanna is confident all Democrats will support the measure, it remains unclear how many Republicans will join.
A press conference is scheduled for September 3, where victims of Epstein’s trafficking network are expected to share their stories publicly for the first time — an event Khanna described as “explosive.”
Senate Faces Turmoil Over Trump’s Firings
Over in the Senate, Republicans will be forced to address mounting controversies. Trump recently fired a CDC official just days after Senate confirmation, raising new questions about executive overreach.
The drama extends to the Federal Reserve, where ousted Governor Lisa Cook has filed a lawsuit against Trump for her dismissal. These cases are fueling debates over whether Senate leaders should change long-standing rules to speed up confirmations or even allow Trump to make recess appointments — a move that would significantly expand his power.
Trump’s New Crime Agenda
Adding to the fall agenda, Trump announced he is working with Johnson and Thune on a sweeping crime package. Republicans say the first focus will be tackling crime in Washington, D.C., before expanding efforts nationwide.
A mid-September vote will also decide whether to extend Trump’s authority to deploy the National Guard in D.C., though the measure faces steep odds in the Senate, where 60 votes are required.
One frustrated House member summed up the chaotic season ahead: “It’s going to be a brutal fall — with battles over funding, Epstein, and Trump’s policing push.”
Democrats Double Down After Foreign Aid Clash
Tensions have only grown since the White House abruptly canceled nearly $5 billion in foreign aid, a move Democrats blasted as unconstitutional. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called it a “brazen scam” and labeled Trump a “wannabe king.”
Despite the backlash, White House officials insist Democrats will ultimately agree to keep the government open, warning that they’ll be blamed for a shutdown if they don’t.
What Comes Next
With funding deadlines looming, lawsuits brewing, and public pressure mounting over the Epstein files, Congress faces one of its most contentious sessions in years. For Democrats, it’s a chance to challenge Trump’s expanding power. For Republicans, it’s an opportunity to prove loyalty to the president while navigating political landmines.
Either way, this fall promises to test Washington’s limits — and could shape the political landscape heading into 2026.