Month: February 2022

Capitol Hill Update

Both chambers will kick off the March legislative work session today as lawmakers face another lengthy list of legislative priorities — headlined by the March 11 government funding deadline. Appropriators have expressed optimism that the two sides are close to reaching an omnibus spending deal for fiscal year (FY) 2022, which will likely include the White House’s $6.4 billion request for supplemental appropriations to support Ukraine. Assuming Congress can pass an omnibus spending deal and avoid another continuing resolution (CR), lawmakers are expected to promptly shift gears toward the FY 2023 appropriations process this month.

Capitol Hill Update

Both chambers of Congress have adjourned for the President’s Day district work period after the Senate passed the short-term government funding bill last week. Appropriators will have until Friday, March 11 to complete their work on an omnibus spending package for fiscal year (FY) 2022. Reports out of Capitol Hill suggest that each appropriations subcommittee has received its specific topline allocation, but the full list of 302(b) funding numbers has not been made publicly available yet. 

Capitol Hill Update

The Senate will reconvene for legislative business today eyeing action on legislation that would implement a series of reforms to the U.S. Postal Service. Specifically, the Postal Service Reform Act (H.R. 3076) would, among other things: (1) provide USPS with $50 billion in additional funding over 10 years; (2) require future retirees to enroll in Medicare; and (3) establish a Postal Service Health Benefits program for USPS employees and retirees. While the House-passed bill is expected to clear the Senate with strong bipartisan support, timing on a final vote could slip due to a last-minute disagreement between leadership and Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) over a technical change to the legislation.

Capitol Hill Update

Late last week, House lawmakers passed [222-210] the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength (America COMPETES) Act (text; fact sheet; section-by-section). The roughly $350 billion technology research and innovation package would provide $52 billion toward domestic semiconductor production, as well as $45 billion to bolster domestic supply chains and manufacturing efforts. Looking ahead to next steps, leadership in both chambers could offer a motion to go to conference and produce a final compromise version that blends the America COMPETES legislation and United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA) as soon as this week. While leaders are hopeful to reach a deal within 30 days, House and Senate conferees will need to navigate a series of policy differences between the chambers’ respective bills before a firm path forward emerges.