The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed new measures for visitors applying for a 90-day waiver to enter the United States, which would require applicants to disclose their social media history for the past five years, previous telephone numbers, email addresses, and contact information for family members. The stated goal of these measures is to enhance national security by preventing the entry of individuals deemed undesirable. However, the criteria for identifying such individuals remain unclear, leading to concerns about potential discrimination against those expressing dissenting views about the U.S. government.

Critics argue that these reforms may represent an overreach of authority, infringing on civil liberties and privacy rights. The implications of this policy could deter individuals from visiting the U.S. due to fears associated with sharing personal information. Furthermore, studies indicate that the majority of mass shootings in the U.S. are perpetrated by native-born Americans, suggesting that focusing on foreign visitors may not effectively address the underlying causes of domestic violence. Critics have characterized the proposed measures as lacking logic and practicality, calling for a more comprehensive approach to safety that includes addressing gun laws and domestic violence.

In parallel, the U.S. Congress is facing significant deadlines that could impact healthcare and government funding. The Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire on December 31, 2025, which could lead to increased healthcare costs for millions of Americans if new legislation is not enacted. A short-term funding bill passed in November will also expire on January 30, 2026, risking another government shutdown if no further action is taken.

Despite the urgency of these issues, Congress is not expected to address them before the holiday recess. The House and Senate are scheduled to conclude their legislative work for the year shortly, with the House likely to adjourn by Thursday of this week. The Senate will reconvene on January 5, 2026, while the House will return on January 6, 2026. The legislative calendar indicates limited time in January to resolve these pressing matters, as the Senate will enter another recess period shortly after returning.

The previous government shutdown, which was the longest in U.S. history, was linked to the same expiring subsidies, raising concerns about lawmakers' urgency to find solutions. Currently, House leadership is attempting to draft legislation to address the subsidy issue, but there is a lack of consensus among Republican members regarding the proposed relief measures. The Senate has already rejected two healthcare proposals, and further discussions are anticipated to be postponed until January.

In addition to healthcare, Congress must also address funding for the remainder of the government, with several appropriations bills still pending. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed a desire to pass a package of funding bills, but internal dissent among conservative senators regarding earmarks and the size of the package has complicated progress. Thune's commitment to a more traditional appropriations process may be tested as deadlines approach. While there is a possibility that Congress may cancel scheduled breaks to address these issues, historical patterns suggest that timely resolutions may not be prioritized, potentially exacerbating challenges faced by constituents reliant on healthcare subsidies and government services.