Schumer's jam-packed June
Politico
First, theyve got to finish the China competition bill. The bipartisan legislation was supposed to pass at the end of May, but consideration of the bill was delayed after some Republican senators raised concerns about cost and threw up procedural hurdles.
Paycheck fairness could come up next. House Democrats passed it in the last Congress and then lamented its demise in then-Majority Leader Mitch M[/dicConnells (R-Ky.) legislative graveyard. But it doesnt seem any closer to becoming law in this Congress and no Republicans have signed on to the Senate version. Schumer also hinted at potential votes on gun control and LGBTQ equality legislation in June, but absent a deal with Republicans, those bills are likely doomed as well.
The drama-filled vote on S. 1 towards the end of the month is now a preordained outcome. Sen. Joe Manchin formally came out in opposition to the bill yesterday, but its not just the West Virginia Democrat. As my colleagues Burgess and Marianne reported at the beginning of May, at least a half-dozen Democrats had issues with the bill despite its 49 Democratic cosponsors. Manchin said Sunday he wanted to move forward on a separate voting rights measure named for John Lewis, but that bill also lacks much Republican support.
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Democrats also want to confirm judges. After years of what Sen. Brian Schatz once called Republicans efforts to make the Senate a factory to confirm judges, Democrats now are starting to advance their own nominees.