Snow way: Senators warily eye weekend snowstorm [View all]

Source: Roll Call

Posted January 22, 2026 at 5:38pm


Lawmakers have been racing against the clock to fund the government and avoid another shutdown by the month’s end, but they are now facing an irregular opponent: Mother Nature herself. Weather forecasters are predicting that the Washington, D.C., area might become the bullseye of a winter storm that could blanket the area in double-digit inches of snow this weekend.

And as most senators typically fly back into the District for Monday evening votes earlier that day or over the weekend, the incoming storm could result in schedule changes next week for the Senate. Senate leadership is actively monitoring the weather and how it will impact senators’ ability to travel safely this weekend.

Most senators will be traveling from their home states, as the chamber returns from a weeklong recess, but a few lawmakers from international delegations will also be landing back stateside. The snow is adding a layer of complications for senators, too, as they already are facing a Jan. 30 deadline to fund the rest of the government and keep the lights on.

The House on Thursday passed its final package of remaining spending bills: Defense, Labor-HHS-Education, Transportation-HUD and Homeland Security, putting the onus on the Senate. Lawmakers have cleared only six of the 12 annual appropriations measures. The snow’s impending arrival could shorten that already tight deadline if floor time and votes are impacted.

Read more: https://rollcall.com/2026/01/22/snow-way-senators-warily-eye-weekend-snowstorm/