U.S. House recess and Florida campaigns heat up before midterms

The U.S. House entered a five‑week recess in late July, having passed its version of the annual defense authorization bill, a $95 billion budget resolution for supplemental funding related to the U.S.–Iran conflict, and a continuing resolution to keep the federal government open through Dec. 4. The Senate, staying in session into August, worked on a Russia sanctions bill, its own continuing resolution, and confirmed Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence while the Attorney General nomination of Todd Blanche remained stalled.

Meanwhile, members of Florida’s congressional delegation returned to their districts for the August recess, intensifying primary campaigns. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz toured the 20th District, defending her candidacy under a newly drawn map that she says reduces minority representation. Rep. Cory Mills highlighted the return of millions in Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits to constituents. Other Florida Republicans, including Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis, campaigned with endorsements from former President Donald Trump, emphasizing military spending and conservative credentials.

Both the legislative actions in Washington and the on‑the‑ground campaigning in Florida are framed around the looming November midterm elections, with Democrats stressing an affordability crisis tied to the ongoing U.S.–Iran conflict and Republicans rallying around veteran and senior benefits.