The U.S. House of Representatives wrapped up what may be its final significant week of legislative activity before the November midterm elections. House Republicans canceled more than two weeks of previously scheduled September session days and adjourned the chamber until mid-November, to give lawmakers additional time to campaign in their districts ahead of the midterm elections.
Notably, the consequence of this decision is that major legislation now faces a narrowing window for consideration in the Lame Duck session following the elections. This includes reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA), a top Argentum priority that would establish a new White House Conference on Aging, promote multigenerational engagement, and support senior socialization from the SENIOR Act. The Senate unanimously approved OAA reauthorization earlier this summer, but with the House out of session, final action will be delayed until the post-election lame duck session. The legislation will now have to compete for attention alongside a crowded year-end agenda that includes government funding expiring in December, health care priorities, tax issues, and other unresolved legislative matters.
Take Action: Host a Congressional Tour
The coming weeks may offer fewer more opportunities for direct engagement with lawmakers while they are back home in their districts. Congressional tours remain one of the most effective advocacy tools available to providers. These visits help build relationships, elevate industry priorities, and provide lawmakers with real-world perspectives they can bring back to Washington as Congress prepares to address major issues during the lame duck session.
Our Congressional Invitation Tool is designed to simplify outreach to federal lawmakers. By entering a community address, users can quickly identify the U.S. Senators and Representative who serve their community and access a prewritten invitation letter tailored for congressional outreach. This tool helps connect communities with the appropriate congressional offices and makes it easier than ever to invite lawmakers for an on-site visit. Members interested in hosting a congressional visit should also notify Argentum’s advocacy team, which can assist with planning, talking points, background materials, and follow-up engagement.
Trump Nominates New FHA Commissioner
Last week, President Trump nominated Matt Jones to serve as Assistant Secretary for Housing and Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration. Jones currently serves as HUD’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Single-Family Housing and previously held roles with the Mortgage Bankers Association and Senate Banking Committee. If confirmed, Jones would replace former FHA Commissioner Frank Cassidy, who resigned earlier this year. Since Cassidy’s departure, Joe Gormley, President of Ginnie Mae, has been serving in the role on an interim basis. Argentum met with Gormley in August as part of ongoing discussions regarding housing finance programs and opportunities to improve access to capital for senior living providers.