Trump doesn't give Congress much to do before the midterms

"I think we know what the agenda items are. Accomplishing those is going to be hard with a small majority. The upshot is that Trump's prime-time address is unlikely to make more than a ripple in the congressional agenda over the coming months. It's the reality, Republicans acknowledged Wednesday, of life in Washington right now: Despite its trifecta, the party's legislative ambitions are being hemmed in by its barely-there majorities."

"GOP leaders on Capitol Hill are vowing to focus on pocketbook issues heading into the midterms, as they try to convince skeptical voters the party is responding to lingering economic angst. The Senate, for example, is expected to tee up a bipartisan housing bill at the end of this week, and Majority Leader John Thune hinted Wednesday that other measures, such as an energy permitting overhaul, could be on the chamber's to-do list."

"But Trump showed only passing concern about lawmakers' anxieties Tuesday, sending the message that the economy was on the rebound - asserting that prices were falling just fine and that last year's GOP megabill did quite enough to address any voter concerns. He mentioned affordability only to engage in a blame game - accusing Democrats of embracing that word knowing full well that they caused increased prices."

Republican lawmakers recognize that Trump's prime-time address will produce little effect on their legislative priorities in coming months. The party controls government but operates with razor-thin majorities that constrain their ability to advance ambitious goals. GOP leaders plan to prioritize economic issues heading into midterms, focusing on housing bills and energy permitting reforms to address voter concerns about affordability. However, Trump showed limited concern about these economic anxieties during his address, asserting the economy is rebounding and prices are falling. He blamed Democrats for inflation rather than proposing new solutions, instead promoting a drug pricing plan and retirement savings program.

Read at POLITICO