Ralph Norman

South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson does not face any real threats for re-election this cycle. That hasn't stopped pro-Israeli lobbying group AIPAC from injecting tens of thousands of dollars into his campaign coffers.

A growing number of lawmakers in states hit by Hurricane Helene are pressing for Congress to return from its October recess to pass additional disaster relief funding.Why it matters: It's an idea that even President Biden appeared to float on Monday, though congressional leadership has given no indication it will take such an extraordinary step.One House Republican close to leadership said it is "doubtful" Congress will come back into to session before its scheduled return in November.Driving the news: Biden said during a press conference on Monday that his "expectation" is to ask Congress to pass a supplemental funding package to respond to the storm.Asked if he will ask Congress to return for a special session, Biden said: "That is something I may have to request, but no decision's been made yet."The devastating storm has left at least 120 people dead across half a dozen states as of Monday and resulted in widespread power outages and property damage.State of play: Congress left town last week having passed a stopgap federal funding bill that included three months worth of funding for FEMA's Disaster Aid Fund at current spending levels. Many Republicans view that as sufficient, with one GOP lawmaker telling Axios: "The President has extraordinary ability to move resources now. And in the first 30 days of the fiscal year has plenty of time for us to authorize additional funds next month."But Democrats say additional funding needed to be tucked into the bill ahead of hurricane season: "Mike Johnson should have included it in the CR. We should return to DC," Rep. Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.) told Axios.Zoom in: Several Democrats, including Nickel and Rep. Jared Moskowitz (R-Fla.), swiftly responded to the president's comments by publicly calling for Congress to return early. Multiple others, including Reps. Kathy Manning (D-N.C.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) told Axios they support such a move."We must bring Congress back to session and schedule a vote on a robust emergency supplemental package to address the needs of our communities. Time is not on our side, and the need is urgent," said Wasserman Schultz.The intrigue: It's not just Democrats. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) released a statement urging the Senate to "immediately reconvene" to vote on an aid package.Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) told Axios: "I would support coming back to DC to pass supplemental relief for the hurricane relief assistance."Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) supports returning to session early as well, a spokesperson told Axios.

A group of Republicans are introducing a new bill that would cease all aid dollars to Afghanistan over concerns of interception by the Taliban.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Republican leadership encountered resistance from all corners of the GOP conference to their government funding bill last week. The measure was intended to be the opening salvo in the budget showdown with Democrats, but Johnson was forced to cancel a planned vote on it Wednesday when it became clear it [...]

Multiple GOP lawmakers told HuffPost that there’s not enough time for states to implement the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.

Speaker Mike Johnson said he is forging ahead with his plan on government funding despite the measure hemorrhaging GOP support.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is vowing to press ahead with requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration as part of a bill to avoid a partial government shutdown

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is plowing ahead with his plan to avert a government shutdown despite GOP opposition that is large enough to tank the effort, setting the stage for a potentially embarrassing vote on the House floor that will foil the Speaker’s funding strategy. At least six Republicans, including hardline conservatives and defense hawks, have said [...]

Donald Trump may be irreparably triggered by the joy of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz

The recount was possible under Virginia law because the margin between the two candidates was less than 1 percent.

House Republicans are canceling votes next week and starting their August recess early as the party struggles to pass its remaining annual government funding bills. GOP leadership confirmed the schedule change on Wednesday, a day before the last votes of the month are now expected. The House is scheduled to return in early September. Leaders [...]