Capital Snapshot: A Monthly Overview of the Issues, Events, and Timelines Driving Federal Policy Decisions

Our Legislative & Public Policy team is pleased to provide the October 2025 edition of “Capital Snapshot.” Capital Snapshot includes a monthly summary of the issues, events, and timelines driving federal policy and political decisions. This month’s edition of the Capital Snapshot contains a review of the landscape of the 119th Congress, including party breakdown of each chamber, upcoming special elections to fill vacancies, and upcoming congressional schedules and key dates. We also share an update on mid-decade congressional redistricting efforts in some states, including Texas, Missouri, Utah, and California. Additionally, we provide an update on the state of play and next steps for FY26 federal funding and the current government shutdown. Furthermore, we share legislative and policy updates across a variety of additional key policy areas, including: (1) trade; (2) tax; (3) financial services; (4) defense; (5) artificial intelligence; (6) technology; (7) data privacy; (8) health care; (9) education; and (10) energy and environment. We also take a look at current public opinion polling on President Trump’s job performance and policy priorities, and assess economic factors and conditions that could impact the future political landscape.

© Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP 2025 All Rights Reserved. This Advisory is intended to be a general summary of the law and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with counsel to determine applicable legal requirements in a specific fact situation.