ADVOCACY & POLICY UPDATE - August 25, 2025

Stopgap Bill Likely After Recess

Washington Update

August Recess

The House and Senate are both in August recess with both chambers reconvening on September 2, 2025.

Appropriations

On Tuesday, August 19, Senator Tommy Tuberville (AL) signaled that the Senate will likely need to pass a stopgap spending bill to fund government operations when it returns in September. While appropriations work has advanced, he indicated that he’s never seen full-year spending bills pass by the September 30 deadline in his five years in office, making the passage of a continuing resolution (CR) appear likely.

STEM Education and Skilled Technical Workforce Act

On Tuesday, August 19, House Committee on Science, Space, & Technology Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (CA) and Research and Technology Subcommittee Chair Jay Obernolte (CA) introduced the STEM Education and Skilled Technical Workforce Act, which would authorize activities at the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy to support the retention, development, and growth of a fusion workforce.  

Click here to access the press release and full text of the bill.