Why Congress is Using James Madison’s Ghost to Fight a Shutdown | May 13, 2026

Decoding the Congressional Record for Wednesday, May 13, 2026. This week, we uncover the procedural "decoupling" of gas price legislation (HR 1346), the fractured debate over National Police Week (H.Con.Res. 96), and the ongoing constitutional tug-of-war over War Powers in the age of rapid technology (H.Con.Res. 75). We also look at the Senate's narrow vote on service member financial protections and why James Madison's 200-year-old rule still dictates how Congress gets paid.

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Legislation Mentioned

H.R. 1346: Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 (E15 Ethanol)
H.Con.Res. 96: Expressing support for local law enforcement officers
H.R. 7711: No Rewards for January 6th Rioters Act
H.R. 6260: Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act
H.Con.Res. 75: War Powers Resolution (Iran)
S.J.Res. 132: CRA to overturn CFPB rules on service member protections
S.Res. 526: Senator Kennedy’s Pay Withholding Bill

Timestamped Chapters

00:00 – The 27th Amendment & James Madison’s Ghost

01:15 – Gas Prices: The Strategy Behind HR 1346 (E15 Ethanol)

03:04 – Procedural Leverage: The "Separate Restaurant Check" Strategy

05:25 – National Police Week: The Politics of Ceremonial Resolutions

08:08 – Cash Bail & Public Safety: HR 7711 vs. HR 6260

09:00 – War Powers: H.Con.Res 75 & The 60-Day Clock in 2026

12:12 – Senate Oversight: New Fed Chair & The Congressional Review Act 14:06 – Why Congress Can’t Punish Itself (Legally)

15:25 – The Human Side: Alpha Delta Pi, Skin Cancer Awareness, & Lobbyist Basketball

17:35 – Closing Thoughts: Who Defines War in the 21st Century?

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