Read Gov. Relations Consultant AJ Donelson’s update below.
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The United States Congress is set to adjourn in a few days for the August recess. When Congress returns in September, it will face a long list of “must pass” bills.
At the top of the list are annual appropriations measures, which Congress must pass by September 30 to avoid a government shutdown. At this point, it appears unlikely the House and Senate will be able to agree on all 12 annual spending bills by the end of September, increasing the likelihood of a stopgap continuing resolution to keep the government open.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) earlier this year estimated the budget caps put in place by the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) would reduce projected deficits by roughly $1.5 trillion over the next decade. But conservatives in the House are demanding steeper cuts and a host of “culture war” amendments, which have little chance of surviving in the Senate. The Senate, meanwhile, is working through appropriations bills more aligned with the FRA targets.
In addition to funding the government for the next fiscal year, the Senate faces a long list of judicial and administration nominees, many of which have been held up by Republican opposition. Of particular interest to ARAWC, the Senate has still not taken up the nomination of Julie Su to be the Secretary of Labor. At this point, it appears she lacks the votes to be confirmed. Nonetheless, the Administration continues to support her nomination and Su remains as “Acting” Secretary of Labor.
Congress continues working on a long list of bills dealing with policy issues. In a July 9 Dear Colleague letter, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted “bills that lower the cost of insulin and prescription drugs, combat the fentanyl crisis, unlock permitting reform, advance online safety and innovation, promote community health, hold bank executives accountable, address rail safety, modernize federal aviation programs, institute common-sense farm policy, safeguard cannabis banking, compete with the Chinese government, and more.”
With continued partisan bickering, Congress faces an uphill battle to find common ground on many of these issues. In the meantime, House and Senate members will be back home meeting with constituents during the August recess. These discussions, which often reinforce for legislators what their constituents view as priorities, will help determine how Congress approaches its busy schedule when it returns in September.
For ARAWC members, if you have a chance to meet with your Representative of Senator, it is a good time to let them know about the benefits of Texas injury benefit plans.