House Republicans may stick around — but not for AI work

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Top House Republicans are tamping down rumors they’ll cut their remaining September session short.
They got a surprising assist on Tuesday after two Democrats helped them clear a procedural vote, opening up the rest of the week for floor votes on other legislation.
Republicans are now saying they need to stay in town to get their remaining legislative work done, like the annual defense policy bill.
“We’re not leaving early,” said Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho.
Any action will likely be limited to must-pass bills: Republicans downplayed the possibility of any measures on AI data centers, despite rising voter concerns over the projects.
“It’s something that ought to be debated and discussed, but I don’t know that we can do that between now and the end of the year,” said Simpson.
Others are itching to leave: Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., said there would be “no consequences” to heading home early.
— Nicholas Wu

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