[author: Lai Lam]

The Senate convenes today at 3 p.m. The House is in recess until Sept. 4.

Senate

Vote. The chamber will take a procedural vote today at 5:30 p.m. on the nomination of Britt Grant to be U.S. circuit judge for the 11th Circuit.

FY 2019 Appropriations. Lawmakers will resume consideration of H.R. 6147 (Minibus II), a four-bill spending package that covers Financial Services, Interior-EPA, Transportation-HUD, and Agriculture.

Flood Insurance. The Senate is expected to consider a four-month extension for the National Flood Insurance Program (S. 1182) – authorization is set to expire at the end of July. The measure has already been approved by the House.

Defense Reauthorization. The House-passed conference report for the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act has landed in the Senate – lawmakers will take up the report this week. Passage is expected.

Key Hearing

Tuesday, 7/31

• Senate HELP Committee. Hearing to examine ways to reduce healthcare costs, focusing on decreasing administrative spending.