Speaker Mike Johnson faces a mounting dilemma as Capitol Hill’s agenda intensifies this September. In a move that underscores internal GOP fractures, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) is pushing forward with a discharge petition that could force a vote on a contentious bill to ban stock trading by members of Congress. This initiative mirrors efforts to expose the Epstein files, spotlighting a growing rift within the party over tackling elite corruption.

Luna’s strategic maneuver complicates Johnson’s position. Although he has shown personal support for curbing lawmakers' stock trades, he hesitates to allow a vote that could alienate powerful Republicans and likely stall in the Senate. Conversely, blocking this vote could paint Johnson as a protector of the elite, a narrative that has already gained traction with the Epstein file controversy.

The push for transparency gained additional momentum after recent revelations by the House Ethics Committee involving Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), whose wife purchased stocks potentially influenced by insider information. This incident has only fueled the argument for stricter controls on congressional stock trades.

Amidst these tensions, GOP members are striving to form a consensus. Talks have been ongoing, spearheaded by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), who are working towards a bipartisan agreement. Their proposed legislation, however, would limit the ban to Congress, excluding the president and vice president, which could deter some Democratic support.

The legislative proposal also seeks to ensure enforcement within the legislative branch, addressing gaps in the Burchett bill that depends on the Justice Department for enforcement and fails to detail tax implications for lawmakers required to divest.

What else we’re watching:

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is set to amplify calls for the release of the full Epstein files in an upcoming press conference, signaling a continued Democratic push for transparency.

In the Senate, GOP leaders threaten procedural changes to expedite the approval of President Donald Trump’s nominees, reminiscent of tactics used in 2018 to shorten debate times.

Additionally, the Senate Commerce Committee, led by Chair Ted Cruz, anticipates passing new legislation that would impose restrictions on the TSA’s use of facial recognition technology, despite concerns from travel industry lobbyists about potential impacts on passenger safety.

As these issues unfold, the Capitol remains a battleground for transparency and reform, with implications that could reshape the political landscape ahead of the upcoming session.