Weaponizing Procedural Levers for Legislative Friction

This episode of Congress in Context explores a pivotal day on Capitol Hill as the 119th Congress grapples with fiscal responsibility, election integrity, and the fallout of an unauthorized war in the Middle East. In the House, a proposed constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget fails to secure a two-thirds majority, though lawmakers successfully pass the Deporting Fraudsters Act and legislation to protect lead ammunition use for hunters and anglers. Meanwhile, the Senate rejects a bipartisan War Powers Resolution that would have directed the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities in Iran, despite rising concerns over skyrocketing gas prices and over 200 American servicemembers injured in the conflict. The episode highlights the intense partisan divide over the SAVE America Act, with members clashing over whether its proof-of-citizenship requirements are common-sense safeguards or a form of voter suppression, all while a funding impasse leaves TSA agents working without paychecks.

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

March 18, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

• S. 1383 (SAVE America Act): Proposes requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID for casting ballots.
• H.J. Res. 139: A proposed constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget for the federal government.
• H.R. 1958 (Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2026): Mandates the deportation of aliens convicted of or admitting to defrauding the government.
• H.R. 556 (Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act): Prevents federal bans on lead ammunition or tackle on certain public lands.
• S.J. Res. 118: Directs the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities in Iran that were not authorized by Congress.
• S. 4127 (TSA Pay Act): Provides funding for TSA personnel pay during the current appropriations lapse.
• S. 4138: Waives notice requirements for the posthumous honorary promotion of Captain Cody Khork.
• H.R. 4294: Directs a pilot program for the sale of blue catfish caught within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
• H.R. 7840 (Event Contract Enforcement Act): Aims to curb prediction markets by prohibiting contracts related to war, death, or criminal behavior.
• S. 4126: Legislation addressing the ineligibility of Ashli Babbitt for military funeral honors.