House Returns to Avert Shutdown, Denounce Socialism

The House returned Monday from its monthlong August recess with one essential item on the board: a Senate-passed spending bill that would keep the government open through Dec. 11 — past the November midterms.

Republican leadership is aiming to vote on that bill Tuesday, a source familiar with the matter told the Washington Examiner. A second source called the continuing resolution the chamber's "main focus" on its return.

The same week also brings a scheduled vote on a resolution condemning "socialism in all its forms," a move GOP leaders want on the record before November.

What's In The Bill

The Senate measure funds the government through Dec. 11.

It carries a provision temporarily barring the Trump administration from finalizing a plan to hand political appointees control over approving federal grants.

It also delays a ban on hemp-derived products such as gummies and vapes sold at gas stations — the piece most likely to draw Republican objections. Critics say the products give minors easy access at ordinary retailers.

The Washington Examiner reports a delay would likely benefit the son-in-law of White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, who runs a company that manufactures and distributes hemp-derived products. The White House has denied any involvement by Wiles.