Author: Thornrun

Despite fervent behind-the-scenes negotiations in Congress, the passage of another stopgap spending bill to keep the government funded past Jan. 19 is growing increasingly likely. This is primarily due to the contentious split on immigration and the deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) program as rank-and-file members in both parties appear to have drawn lines in the sand over what can be included in any compromise. A rumored continuing resolution (CR) would provide funding through the Presidents’ Day holiday next month and include similar short-term fixes for the program deadlines tied to the funding bill, such as the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). While many budget hawks will have serious hesitations about voting for another short-term extension, it seems the most likely outcome given that the current continuing resolution is due to expire in just over a week.

Continue reading “Today on the Hill: Another CR Seems Likely as Immigration Divide Continues; House to Hold FISA Fight”

Government funding negotiations continue to stall, as congressional Republicans and While House officials are growing increasingly skeptical that a long term budget agreement will be reached in the next 11 days.  Party leaders from both sides of the aisle have been working to raise stiff spending caps before the Jan. 19 deadline, yet Democrats and Republicans are still far apart on many key issues — most notably, border security and immigration provisions. President Trump has renewed calls that his proposed border wall be included in any deal over the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which Trump is ending in March. Democrats, who are pushing to include protections for young immigrants in a spending bill, say that a border wall is a non-starter for them. With no agreement in sight, it likely means that another short-term continuing resolution (CR) will be needed to keep the government open.

Continue reading “Today on the Hill: Azar Appears Before Senate Finance Committee, Funding Negotiations Continue to Stall”

Both chambers will convene this week to start their 2018 legislative work in earnest. Most policy attention will focus on funding negotiations to keep the government open past Jan. 19, with disaster aid emerging as a new divisive issue between the two parties. The House passed an $81 billion relief package before the holidays, but Senate Democrats are opposing that measure in the upper chamber over concerns that it doesn’t provide enough support for disaster-struck areas, most notably Puerto Rico. Republicans have accused the minority of slow-walking desperately needed aid, adding another wrinkle to the funding debate with just two legislative weeks left before the next government shutdown deadline.

Continue reading “This Week on The Hill: Slow Progress in Funding Talks; House Starts 2018 Session”