FOR INSIDERS | House GOP’s packed to-do list faces ticking clock

House Republicans are staring down a tight legislative calendar after an intraparty revolt forced Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to send lawmakers home early last week for the second time in a row, squeezing an already limited window for the party to advance an ambitious agenda amid a high-stakes election year.

Lawmakers departed for the July Fourth recess sooner than expected after a group of conservative rebels joined Democrats in defeating a procedural rule that would have teed up debate and final votes on a slate of legislation. The revolt was fueled in part by hard-liners’ frustrations over the lack of movement on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act and a GOP border bill.

The setback only adds to Johnson’s challenges.

The House has just two legislative weeks before lawmakers depart for the monthlong August recess. After returning, Congress will have roughly one month before another extended break in October, leaving Republicans with little time to tackle an already crowded agenda. Among the top priorities on Republicans’ to-do list are a third sweeping party-line spending package, the annual defense policy bill and a renewal of the government’s warrantless surveillance authorities — each carrying its own political and procedural hurdles.

Here’s a look at the key items Republicans are hoping to check off before the clock runs out.

National Defense Authorization Act

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is an annual, must-pass bill that establishes policies and authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense’s military activities, military construction and the Department of Energy’s defense activities. 

“The FY27 NDAA strengthens our ability to defend ourselves and deter our adversaries by revitalizing our defense industrial base, investing in innovative technologies, and restocking the Arsenal of Freedom,” House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) said in a statement.

But 13 House Republicans last week sank a vote that would have advanced the NDAA, leaving it unclear when the chamber will take up the bill next.

Johnson had announced a plan to include language in the rule that would merge the SAVE America Act to the NDAA after it passes the House, in a special process known as “MIRVing.” The SAVE America Act requires proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and the presentation of an ID to cast a ballot.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), who opposed the rule, poured cold water on Johnson’s........

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