Congress will return next week for a short, two-week legislative session before heading back to the campaign trails in preparation for mid-term elections. The most significant measure for consideration will be funding legislation to keep the government running after the current fiscal year expires on Sept. 30. A continuing resolution would likely keep spending at 2014 levels until Congress resumes in November to pass a larger omnibus spending package.
Also expected in September, new House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), has promised floor consideration of a bill sponsored by Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), which would allow group health insurance issuers to continue offering plans sold in 2013, which are not Affordable Care Act-compliant, for an indefinite period. These plans would be considered grandfathered for the purposes of meeting the individual mandate requirement.