Senate: The Senate continued processing nominations. They have now failed 12 times to reach the 60-vote threshold to pass legislation to provide short-term government funding. The Senate also failed to pass a government funding bill to pay federal employees during the shutdown.
House: The House was in recess.
Trump Administration: On October 20, President Trump announced a billion dollar deal with Australia. The deal announced a Critical Minerals Framework in partnership between the U.S. and Australia to invest more than $3 billion in critical mineral projects.
Next week in Washington
Senate: The Senate will reconvene Monday, October 27 and is expected to continue consideration of short-term legislation to fund government operations and reopen the government. They are also expected to continue processing nominations.
House: The House is expected to be in recess and return once the Senate passes the government funding package.
