Congress is overbooked, causing members to be unable to spend more time in their districts and less time focusing on legislative and oversight work. This is not simply due to the long travel days, which can be frustrating for staff and constituents alike, but also because of committee scheduling conflicts. The problem has been worsened by political dynamics that cause floor votes to be canceled or delayed.
The House is taking numerous steps to improve the situation. At the direction of leaders, the chamber has worked to implement a system that optimizes block scheduling for committees so members are not double- or triple-booked. While this is an important step in the right direction, it is not enough. As the graph below shows, the number of committee scheduling conflicts has increased from the 117th Congress to the 118th Congress.
This week, the House and Senate are considering a bill to ban toxic chemicals from beauty products, including those marketed for children. The package also includes protections for salon workers and women of color who are disproportionately exposed to these substances. The Senate will continue to work on fiscal 2026 appropriations bills, with a goal of moving the first spending bills forward before the August recess.
The House is also considering a resolution to support the National Park Service and to express support for the dedicated service and staff of the Department of the Interior. The measure has bipartisan support and is expected to pass.