CHRONOLOGY OF APPROPRIATION DEVELOPMENTS

For the most recent developments, see the home page.

Wed, July 31:
–Congress drops the ball on annual spending bills — again – Punchbowl News
–Johnson faces frustration from hard-liners on spending issues – The Hill

Mon, July 29: Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray, told The Hill, “I look forward to keeping the momentum up on Thursday when we consider another four bills, and we will continue working toward a bipartisan agreement on the Homeland Security bill.”
–Cole: outlook for passing a short-term CR in September – Politico
–Biden op-ed calls for Supreme Court reforms – Washington Post
–Harris maintains Biden’s pledge not to raise taxes on middle class – Politico
–Trump v. Biden’s climate agenda – Politico
–VA tells Congress they need another $15b for benefits, health care – Roll Call
–FactCheck updates how the US has performed under Biden – Roll Call

Thurs, July 25: Senate Appropriations Chair and Ranking Member Murray (D-WA) and Collins (R-ME) continue to move forward with broad bipartisan support on FY 25 Appropriations bills:

Wed, July 24: House GOP leaders canceled plans to vote on the E-W appropriations bill this week, and scrapped plans to take up the AG and FSGG appropriation bills next week, or any other bills, opting to start the summer recess early–contrary to Speaker Johnson’s earlier vow that the House wouldn’t recess without passing all 12 bills. The House has thus far passed only five bills, Def, H-Sec, MilCon-VA, S-FOps, and Int-Env, and failed to pass Leg-Br. GOP leaders have acknowledged that defections within their own party have derailed plans to pass the remaining bills.

– House passed Int-Env 210-205: R-Stmt |R-Summ | HR 8998 |Rpt |Earmarks |D-Stmt |D-Summ |D-FactSheet

Mon, July 22: House Rules Comm. reported a Rule setting forth procedures for the consideration of the E-W and Int-Env bills. Meanwhile, the House dropped plans to bring the FSGG and AG bills to the House Floor this week. It is also unclear whether the remaining Appropriation bills will be brought to the Floor next week, with increasing discussion about recessing early, reports Roll Call. For background on why House Leadership dropped the FSGG and AG bills from this week’s schedule, listen to the CQ Budget Podcast here.

Sun, July 21: President Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, in a letter posted on X (twitter) and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

Sat, June 29:

–Biden gave debate performance Democrats feared, but Trump did not win new votes – Roll Call
–Social Security in line for half-billion dollar cut in House GOP funding bill – Govt Executive
–More House appropriators target federal telework, office space – Fed News Network
–Justice Dept. agencies have warned of budget cut fallout – Roll Call
–House G.O.P. Begins Push on Hard-Right Spending Bills, Teeing Up Future Battles – NYTimes

–House sends far-right Pentagon bill straight into Senate woodchipper – Politico

–IMF warns of a “pressing need (for the U.S.) to reverse the ongoing increase in public debt-GDP ratio”
–Biden’s plans for the economy: message is on helping the middle class – Washington Post
–Trump’s plans for the economy would raise inflation or harm the labor market – Washington Post

–House GOP pushes deep cuts to federal law enforcement – NYTimes
–Supreme Court sets up wealth tax battle for Congress – The Hill
–Biden border restrictions bring sharp drop in illegal crossings – Washington Post
–Trump would make America’s inflation crisis worse, 16 Nobel economists warn – CNN
-16 Nobel Economists Sign Letter About Risks to the U.S. Economy of a Second Trump Presidency
–Illegal crossings at U.S.-Mexico border down 40 percent – Politico

–Trump advisers present plan to halt U.S. military aid to Kyiv unless it enters peace talks – Reuters
–Politico guide to “this summer’s hottest House GOP spending fights”
–62 NGOs oppose cuts in SFOps
–Border security and foreign aid fights – Roll Call
–Business fumes, Dems blast GOP for blocking corporate tax credits – The Hill
–The uncertain future of Biden’s student loan repayment plan, explained – WashPost
–Trump would cut education spending in half – X

Mon, June 24: House set to dive into spending bills – The Hill

–Trump and Biden: The National Debt – CRFB
–Make them answer this question – Bob Kerrey OpEd
–CBO’s latest estimates make extending the TCJA more complicated – TPC
–House Appropriations Republicans take aim at NIH, demand reform and restructuring

Fri, June 21:

–Cruz offers bill to exempt tips from taxation – The Hill
–The Opaque Industry Secretly Inflating Prices for Rx Drugs – NY Times
–Democrats’ plan to tax the rich and corporations begins to take shape – Washington Post
–One million pensions protected by American Rescue Plan – WH
–Appeals court rules preventive care task force unconstitutional – Roll Call

Thurs, June 20:

–A Trump Win Would Mean Higher Inflation, Recession Risk – Moody’s / Fiscal Times
–Summers says Trump economic policies would be “catastrophic” – Politico
–Narrow Supreme Court ruling left the door open for Congress to expand taxes on billionaires, but it’s not a guarantee – NY Times

Wed, June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.

–Hundreds of new centrifuges would triple Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity at a deeply buried underground nuclear facility – Washington Post
–Nvidia pushes our Apple, Microsoft to become world’s most valuable company – Washington Post

Tues, June 18: Senate Appropriations Chair Murray details how FY25 spending caps mean painful shortfalls for essential domestic programs: fact sheet.

The Congressional Budget Office released its Update to the Budget and Economic Outlook: 2024 to 2034. The Update increased the projected FY 2024 deficit from $1.6 trillion to $1.99 trillion, due primarily to executive actions projected to reduce student loan repayments, changes in deposit insurance recoveries, enactment of the emergency foreign aid supplemental, and increased Medicaid outlays. Additional highlights (with our parenthetical notes):

Budget deficit: $1.99 trillion in ’24 growing to $2.8 trillion in ’34 (but higher still if the 2017 tax cuts are extended without budgetary offsets).
In 2034, the deficit equals 6.9% of GDP; by comparison, the avg. for the last 50 yrs. is 3.7%.
Debt held by the public as % of GDP: 99% of GDP in ’24 increasing to 122% in ’34 (but higher still if the 2017 tax cuts are extended without budgetary offsets).
Debt held by the public in 2034 projected to be $51 trillion (but higher still if the 2017 tax cuts are extended without budgetary offsets).
Outlays: $6.9 trillion in ’24 growing to $10.3 trillion in ’34–due to rising interest costs, and Social Security and Medicare benefits increasing w/ aging of the population and rising healthcare costs.
Revenues: $4.9 trillion in ’24 (outyear projections are unreliable until Congress decides whether and how to extend the 2017 tax cuts).
Interest costs as a percent of GDP are higher than at any point since OMB began reporting; beginning in 2025, interest costs will exceed outlays for defense programs and for nondefense programs. By 2034, interest will account for one-sixth of all federal spending.
Social Security and Medicare growth: “The aging of the population causes the number of beneficiaries of Social Security and Medicare to grow faster than the overall population. In addition, federal costs per beneficiary for the major health care programs continue to rise faster than GDP.”
Immigration reduces deficits: “Deficits over the next decade are boosted by rising costs for Social Security and Medicare. One factor that is projected to reduce deficits in coming years is the ongoing surge in immigration…. that surge decreases the deficit by a total of $0.9 trillion over the 2024‒2034 period compared with what would have occurred without the surge.”
Inflation projected to fall from 2.7% in 2024 to 2% in 2026.
Growth in residential investment expected to rise from 6.2% in ’24 to an average of 9.3% in ’25 and ’26 as increases in immigration and declines in interest rates boost demand for housing.

–Biden rules issued from now on vulnerable to repeal if he loses – Roll Call
–National debt will exceed $50 trillion by 2034 – Washington Post
–Biden ramps up push to end Trump’s tax cuts for the wealthy – NBC News
–Biden taking sweeping election-year action shielding estimated 550,000 from deportation – Politico
–Here’s what the civil service needs – OpEd by former agency heads

Mon, June 17:

–Eyeing Trump presidency, conservatives want to delay funding fight – The Hill
–Closing asset loophole could add billions to tax collections, IRS says – Washington Post
–Trump’s planned tariffs would tax U.S. households, economists warn – Bloomberg
–Trump’s proposal to exempt tip income from taxes could increase debt by $250 billion – CRFB
–Corporate tax rate spurs political fight with more than $1 trillion at stake – WSJ
–Yellen on Trump’s tariffs-taxes idea: It would “make life unaffordable” – Politico

Fri, June 14:

–House passes defense policy bill advancing key GOP priorities – Washington Post
–Trump says he wants high tariffs and low income taxes – WSJ
–Summers says Trump tax ideas mean “mother of all stagflations” – Bloomberg

–Trump tells CEOs he would cut corporate tax rate to 20% – Bloomberg
–G7 leaders agree to lend Ukraine billions backed by Russia’s frozen assets – AP
–A New Way to Make Russia’s Assets Pay for Ukraine’s Defense and Rebuilding – Janet Yellen
–Trump tells GOP he plans to entirely reverse Biden’s EV policy – Bloomberg
–Treasury Secretary Yellen says U.S. debt load is in reasonable place – CNBC
–Senate GOP blocks IVF Access Bill – NY Times

–Biden proposes to ban medical debt from credit reports, loan decisions – Washington Post
–Health care spending to outpace GDP, rising to 19.7% by 2032 – Health Affairs

–U.S. economy is powering better global outlook, World Bank says – Washington Post
–Billion-dollar weather disasters are soaring again this year – Washington Post
–Trump telegraphs plans to neuter Congress, this time by seizing spending – Rampell

–Trump loyalist pushes “post-Constitutional” vision for second term – Washington Post
–White House hits GOP over reported corporate tax cut preparations – The Hill
–Federal judge halts disaster aid program for minority farmers – Washington Post
–GOP’s FY 2025 spending bills heavy on climate change riders – Roll Call

Thurs, June 6: President speaks at D-Day commemoration ceremony

–Year of record global heat has pushed Earth closer to dangerous threshold – Washington Post
–TCJA Tax Cut Extension Would Only Pay for 1% to 14% of itself – CRFB
–5th Circuit strikes down SEC’s investor protection rules for private assets industry – Politico
–Fiscal nerds determine the fate of legislation in America – The Economist
–Mitch McConnell: We Cannot Repeat the Mistakes of the 1930s – NYTimes OpEd

–Cole’s plan is to use Fiscal Responsibility Act FY 2025 funding levels minus multi-billion dollar “side deals” negotiated between Biden and McCarthy but says “It’s an opening position….” – Punchbowl News
–House GOP propose defunding IRS direct file, futher budget cuts to enforcement – FNN
–Rising US Debt Load Posing a Growing Risk for Treasury Market – Bloomberg
–Senate GOP blocks vote on bill to create federal right to birth control – Washington Post

–Biden order would shut down asylum if daily average of 2,500 migrants arrive – AP
–Biden issues border order: Much of southern border to close at midnight – Politico
–What Biden’s immigration order means for the job market – Politico
–Congress weighs delaying farm bill over SNAP and climate disputes – Washington Post

Mon, June 3: House Appropriations released the FY 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill: Text | R-Summ | D-Summ | D-FactSheet. The bill will be considered in subcommittee June 4th at 8:30am. Also on Monday, the Committee released the FY 2025 State-ForeignOps Appropriations Bill: Text | R-Summ | D-Summ | D-FactSheet. The bill will be considered in subcommittee June 4th at 10:00am. Also, Monday, the White House issued a veto threat for H.R. 8580, the MilCon-VA Bill that will be considered by the House this week, and the Rules Committee issued a rule and amendments list for consideration of the bill.

–Congress is already bracing for a 2025 fiscal pileup – Politico
–House GOP “tax teams” in the spotlight as major expirations near – Roll Call
–Biden prepares an order that would shut down asylum if a daily average of 2,500 migrants arrive – AP

Fri, May 31:

–GOP faces internal battle over defense spending. – The Hill
–An inflation gauge closely tracked by the Federal Reserve rises at slowest pace this year. – AP

Thurs, May 30: House Rules Committee announced it will meet on Monday 6/3 at 4pm to consider a rule for floor consideration of MilCon-VA, HR 8580.

–Manhattan jury finds former President Donald Trump guilty on 34 felony counts. – Politico
–Trump has been convicted. Here’s what happens next. – NYTimes

Wed, May 29:

–Ranking GOP Senator calls for major defense increase above spending cap – OpEd NYTimes

Tues, May 28: MilCon-VA bill reported to House

–GOP tempers expectations on appropriations bills – The Hill
–Republicans’ $4 Trillion Question: Should They Pay for Extending Trump Tax Cuts? – WSJ
–By typing donation requests to pledges of tax cuts and other policies, Trump is testing the boundaries of federal campaign finance laws. – Washington Post
–Why grocery bills feel so high, even though food inflation is technically low. – Axios
–Republicans say they’ll resist bagging filibuster – Punchbowl News

–Democrats decry “very, very harmful” riders in Legislative Branch bill – Roll Call
–Senate Republicans block border security bill as they campaign on border chaos – NBC News
–Johnson girds for another House GOP fight on government spending – Washington Post
–Are congressional committees still fully committed to their work? – Don Wolfensberger
–Administration FY 2025 Budget Amendments – OMB
–Additional housing fees allows more funding for Interior-Environment – Politico

Wed, May 22: House GOP appropriators laid out a Floor schedule for FY 2025 appropriation bills to begin first week of June, aiming for completion by August recess, Roll Call reports. The first bill will be MilCon-VA, which was marked up by subcommittee Tuesday evening, and will be marked up by full committee tomorrow (Thursday). Also, today, House Appropriations released the FY 2025 Leg. Branch bill: Text | R-Summ | D-Summ | D-FactSheet.

Tentative House Floor schedule:

Week of June 3: MilCon-VA
Week of June 24: Homeland; StateFOps; Defense
Week of July 8: LegBranch
Week of July 22: AG; Int-Env; CJS; FSGG
Week of July 29: EW; THUD; L-HHS-ED

–Statement of Administration Policy opposing bipartisan House cryptocurrency regulation bill, HR 4763 passed today 279-136 (71 Dems joining 208 Rep.), background from Politico
–House Republicans’ farm bill proposal “robs Peter to pay Paul,” Agriculture Sec. says – The Hill
–Inside Democrats’ political strategy on border security – Washington Post
–Republicans close ranks against Senate border security bill – The Hill
–Biden Administration canceling student loans for another 160,000 borrowers – AP
–RWJ Foundation released findings that “SNAP benefits remained too low to help families afford food in 2023”
–60 years ago today, Lyndon Johnson delivered his “Great Society” speech – CSpan

Tues, May 21: R-Stmt at MilCon-VA markup | D-Stmt at MilCon-VA markup

–Biden speaks with Johnson and McConnell to push for border bill – The Hill
–Letter from unions and nonprofits call Trump 2017 tax cuts large and costly mistake – The Hill
–CBO: Long-Term Budget Outlook Under Alternative Scenarios

Mon, May 20: House Appropriations Comm. releases FY 2025 MilCon-VA bill for Tues. markup: Text | R-Summ | D-Fact Sheet | D-Summ | D-Stmt. Also today, The Hill reported on the emerging fight over “side deal funding” above the statutory Fiscal Responsibility Act spending caps.

–Congress sets stage for “side deal” spending fight with White House – The Hill
–Funding allocations trouble – Roll Call
–Schumer letter to Colleagues on Border Act to be considered Thursday. – Roll Call

Fri, May 17: The Hill reports a brewing battle between Democratic and Republican appropriators over FY 2025 spending levels: “Senate Republicans are on a collision course with Democrats who are insisting that nondefense spending programs receive equal treatment with defense programs. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) says he won’t accept Democrats’ demand to give nondefense programs the same increases — dollar for dollar — as defense programs, which he said should be considered a much higher priority….(Appropriations Committee Ranking Republican Susan Collins) is siding with McConnell. ‘Given how underfunded defense is and the global threats we face, I don’t think parity can be achieved,’ she said.”

However, Democratic Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray said, “For me the word of the day, today and every day until we pass our funding bills, is going to be ‘parity.’ By that I mean that when my Republican colleagues insist that despite the Fiscal Responsibility Act we need to boost spending in national security, I will also insist the boost to defense spending be matched with a similar increase to investments here at home.” Republicans are not alone in calling for defense spending levels above the caps. Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Jon Testor (D-MT) said, “On the defense side, a 1 percent increase is just not adequate for the conditions we’re dealing with.”

–House GOP: Let’s wait for Trump on FY 2025 spending – Punchbowl News
–House Democrats position on FY 2025 spending – Ranking Member DeLauro
–House unveils $1.5 trillion farm bill after long delay; markup next week – Politico

Thurs, May 16: House Appropriations Committee begins FY 2025 markups next week and has released a schedule of markups through July 10 (click the link or see below the entire calendar). Chairman Cole also released interim 302(b) allocations to each of the 12 subcommittees, which will be considered by the full committee Thursday, May 23, 2024. Notably, the allocations stick to the Fiscal Responsibility Act caps which allow for only a 1% increase in defense and nondefense discretionary spending, and rejects any “side deals.” On the nondefense side, Cole’s allocations call for an increase in homeland security and full funding for veterans’ medical care–necessitating a 6% cut overall in other nondefense spending, but not evenly distributed; spending by the Labor-HHS-Ed, Financial Services, and State-ForeignOps subcommittees would be cut 10-11%. The allocations will draw serious opposition from defense hawks who will argue that defense spending will not keep pace with inflation, and Democrats who will call the nondefense cuts draconian. [See the Democratic response.] It is unlikely that House and Senate appropriators and leadership will reach agreement on spending levels prior to the November elections, necessitating a continuing resolution prior to the October 1 start of FY 2025. The only question is whether the CR will continue funding until a lame duck session in Nov./Dec., or into early 2025; a CR to the lame duck is more likely. See also, NYTimes which reports: “Mitch McConnell and other top Republicans want more federal money for the military. But Democrats say domestic programs must get an equivalent boost.”

Also, today, in a landmark 7-2 ruling, the Supreme Court overruled the Fifth Circuit, upholding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding mechanism: “Under the Appropriations Clause, an appropriation is simply a law that authorizes expenditures from a specified source of public money for designated purposes,” Justice Thomas wrote for the majority. “The statute that provides the Bureau’s funding meets these requirements.” Read the opinion. More background from the Washington Post. For more details, see https://govbudget.com/cfpb-funding-supreme-court-review/. For an in-depth review of the issues in the case, see Trillions: A Primer on the U.S. Debt Ceiling, Federal Spending, Taxes, and Fiscal Law.

–House passes Israel Security Assistance Support Act 224-187 – House Approps Comm.
–11 Dems buck Biden as Senate passes rollback of crypto guidance. – Politico
–Rare House discharge petition forces tax relief for disasters to the Floor – Politico

Wed, May 15: On FY 2025 appropriations bills, Politico today reported: “while there’s broad recognition that a continuing resolution will be needed ahead of Sept. 30, when fiscal 2024 ends, there’s disagreement on next steps. Members of the House Freedom Caucus want a CR into the first quarter of 2025 — giving a potential President Donald Trump leverage if he’s elected. But Johnson and Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) want to start writing individual spending bills now, with a goal of getting them out of committee by the end of July. Any CR, the appropriations crowd believes, should expire before the end of 2024, allowing them to clear the barn for whoever takes control come January.”
Also today, Senate Appropriations senior Republicans Collins and Graham sent a letter to Secretaries Blinken and Austin questioning the withholding of arms from Israel.

-House on Wednesday passed 387-26 the FAA reauthorization bill clearing it for the President
–Schumer proposes $32 billion annual spending under AI road map – Roll Call
–U.S. inflation eases for first time in 2024. Will it be enought to cut rates – WashPost
–Wegovy could bankrupt U.S. health system, Sanders says in new report – The Hill

Tues, May 14: White House Statement of Administration Policy threatens a veto of the House GOP bill aimed at forcing delivery of military assistance to Israel.

–House Democratic leaders urge caucus to oppose GOP’s Israel bill – Politico
–Biden Accuses China of “Cheating”on Trade, Imposes New Tariffs – Bloomberg
–Biden Moves Forward on $1 Billion in New Arms for Israel – WSJ
–House Armed Services Comm. released draft NDAA bill for FY 2025
-House debated the Senate amendment to H.R. 3935, FAA reauthorization; vote on Wednesday.

Mon, May 13: Today, the White House press office released a statement strongly objecting to the House GOP legislation that would compel delivery of weapons to Israel. Click here for the congressional letter to President Biden urging delivery of weapons to Israel. Click here for this week’s Senate appropriations hearings.

-House will this week take up the Senate-passed FAA Reauthorization Act.

Sat, May 11: House GOP Appropriation leaders release bill aimed to compel the delivery of weapons to Israel.

Fri, May 10: House Appropriations hearing notices for next Thursday’s FCC and FTC budget hearings

–Contempt of Congress conviction of Bannon upheld unanimously by D.C. Circuit – Roll Call

Thurs. May 9: Click here for next week’s Senate appropriations hearings.

–Senate Approves Bill to Reauthorize FAA and Improve Air Travel; also passed a short-term extension to give the House time to clear the longer-term package next week – NYTimes
–House votes overwhelmingly to save Speaker Mike Johnson from Marjorie Taylor Greene’s push to oust him – NBC; More background… – Politico
–“The Sixth” shows what some don’t want to see – Roll Call

Wed, May 8: Today, the Congressional Budget Office Director delivered testimony on his agency’s FY 2025 request for appropriations; and Defense Secretary Austin testified at Senate Appropriations Committee.

–Senate continues to press forward on the FAA reauthorization bill with cloture filed yesterday and negotiations continuing on amendments; Facial recognition amendment
–President denounces antisemitism in Holocaust remembrance speech in Capitol Rotunda
–TikTok sues U.S. over constitutionality of ByteDance divestment requirement in Supplemental Bill
–Greene’s vacate motion on hold amid ongoing talks with Speaker Johnson

Thurs. May 2: The Washington Post reports that Maryland officials estimate building a replacement for the Francis Scott Key Bridge will cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion. What remains to be settled is what share the federal government will pay, and how much liability will accrue to the shipping company and other private parties. House Appropriations Committee surveys Key Bridge and Port Recovery Response

Wed, May 1: Senate Appropriations Chair Murray said Wednesday Democrats will insist that any increase in defense discretionary spending over the FY 2025 Fiscal Responsibility Act spending caps be matched by an equal boost in nondefense discretionary spending, reports Politico. (This approach would mirror the Bipartisan Budget Act deals that were reached in 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2019 to increase the Budget Control Act of 2011 caps.)

House Appropriations Committee extends earmark deadline for certain bills. Roll Call reports an extension for some House earmark requests: “House appropriators are extending some deadlines for lawmakers to submit their earmark requests to subcommittees….Members will now have until May 10 to submit requests for the Commerce-Justice-Science, Interior-Environment, and Transportation-HUD bills, according to an email appropriations staff sent to offices Wednesday morning. The deadline for the Agriculture, Energy-Water, Homeland Security, and Military Construction-VA bills will remain May 3. Programmatic language requests are also due Friday.”

Also Wednesday, Punchbowl News interviewed House Appropriations Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) where she discussed national security, the new restrictions on earmarks for nonprofits, House Democrats’ plan to table a motion to vacate Mike Johnson’s speakership, and expressed frustration with the use of continuing resolutions to fund the government.

Tuesday, April 30: Senate Appropriations Ranking Member Collins questions Secretary of Education Cardona on “inexcusable FAFSA delays.”

Friday, April 26: Politico reports that leading Senators are open to boosting the defense discretionary cap for FY 2025. Notably, the recently signed foreign aid supplemental bill includes billions in “emergency” U.S. defense expenditures outside the FY 2024 defense cap, and a $69 billion “side agreement” for FY 2024 boosted nondefense spending outside the nondefense cap for FY 2024 (see the discretionary cap table below). Similar mechanisms could be used to ease the extremely tight discretionary spending caps for FY 2025 (which do not even cover inflation), although serious negotiations on the FY 2025 caps are unlikely to occur until after the November 5, 2024 election.

Thursday, April 25: House Appropriations Chair Cole released revised guidelines for earmarks for FY 2025 (“community project funding”), drawing a sharp rebuke from Ranking Member DeLauro:

Chairman Cole’s guidance: “Per the GOP Conference’s decision to maintain Community Project Funding for the 118th Congress and our short timeline to draft and consider next year’s bills, the Committee is maintaining similar eligible program accounts and full committee guidance for Fiscal Year 2025 Community Project Funding. One notable change is that non-profits are no longer eligible for Community Project Funding in the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) account.” (emphasis added) Chairman Cole’s dear colleague is available here. Submission deadlines and request guidance are available here.
Ranking Member DeLauro’s response: “Deeming non-profits ineligible for Community Project Funding in the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) account is a seismic shift, as nearly half of all the 2024 House-funded EDI projects were directed to non-profit recipients. YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and other groups vital to our communities are all now ineligible. In order to accommodate the extreme Republican wing, Republicans are trying to root out any help for the LGBTQ+ community. They are willing to hurt their own religious organizations, seniors, and veterans. The result of this change does not just hurt House Democrats. They are hurting Members of their own party by putting all House Members at a severe disadvantage.”
Background from Roll Call on HUD’s EDI grant program: “The change sets the House up for a collision course with the Senate, which allows earmarks in both the Labor-HHS-Education bill and for nonprofits under the EDI account in the Transportation-HUD bill.”

Wednesday, April 24: President Biden signed HR 815 (text), making $95.3 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations for aid to Ukraine, Israel, Indo-Pacific/Taiwan, Gaza and other areas of humanitarian need, and including the TikTok/sanctions bill. The new law includes:

Israel-related aid, $16.5 billion (R-sum; D-sum; CBO estimate) includes: $5.2 billion for Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Iron Beam defense systems • $4.4 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services • $2.4 billion for current U.S. military operations in the region in response to recent attacks • $3.6 billion in security assistance to Israel and partners in the Middle East • $400 million for the nonprofit security grant program at FEMA • $150 m for State and USAID • Provides additional flexibility for transfers of defense articles to Israel from U.S. stockpiles held abroad • Prohibits funds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
Humanitarian Assistance for Gaza and other vulnerable populations, $9.15 billion.
Ukraine-related aid, $60.84 billion (R-sum; D-sum; CBO estimate) includes: $13.78 billion for Ukraine security assistance • $13.41 billion to replenish U.S. stocks • $20.5 billion for U.S. Armed Forces mission support • $9.5 billion in forgivable loans for economic support • $481 million for humanitarian services • $149 million to prepare for and respond to potential nuclear and radiological incidents • $26 million to continue oversight and accountability by the Defense and State Departments.
Indo-Pacific/Taiwan security aid, $8.12 billion (R-sum; D-sum; CBO estimate) includes: $3.3 billion to develop submarine infrastructure, including investments in dry dock construction • $2 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan and other key allies and security partners in the Indo-Pacific • $1.9 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Taiwan and regional partners • $542 million to strengthen U.S. military capabilities in the region • $133 million to enhance the production and development of artillery and critical munitions • Provides additional flexibility for Foreign Military Financing loans and loan guarantees.
Provisions added by the House (R-sum; CBO Estimate): TikTok (Prevent app store availability or web hosting services in the U.S. for ByteDance-controlled applications); Russian assets for a Ukraine Support Fund; Hamas, Syria, and Iran sanctions; and sanctions for Fentanyl trafficking. On a related matter, the Congressional Research Service released a new report, “Iran: Background and U.S. Policy.” Background on TikTok provisions
Link to today’s Biden letter formalizing emergency designations in the bill which exempt spending from the discretionary caps.

Tuesday, April 23: Senate is now considering the House-passed Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan-Humanitarian Aid-TikTok/Sanctions bill (H.R. 815).

Motion to table the Schumer motion to refer H.R. 815, the National Security Supplemental (the Schumer motion was a component of “filling the amendment tree”). (“Filling the amendment tree” is a procedure that prevents opponents of a measure from delaying passage by offering amendments and forcing multiple votes.) Motion to table the Schumer motion failed 48-50. (Senator Sanders voted in favor. Senators Hawley and Paul did not vote; otherwise, party line.)
Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.R.815, National Security Supplemental. (“Invoking cloture” is a procedure to prevent a filibuster and requires a supermajority of 60 Senators. Once cloture is invoked, further debate time is limited and amendments must be germane.) Cloture invoked 80-19, advancing the measure towards final passage in a strong bipartisan vote. Following the cloture vote, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he believed the strong support showed the GOP had “turned the corner on the isolationist movement.”
Senate voted 75-20 to waive the 1974 Budget Act (3/5 being required) following a point of order raised by Senator Lee against spending classified as emergency requirements outside the reach of discretionary spending caps.
Senate voted 79-18 to pass H.R. 815, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, as amended by the House, clearing the measure for the President.

Senate Approps Chair Murray Stmt | Ranking Member Collins Stmt

Related to the supplemental bill’s aid to Taiwan: the Congressional Research Service has released a new report, Taiwan Defense Issues for Congress.

Monday, April 22: Politico reports the following changes to earmark rules under consideration by the House GOP: “Speaker Mike Johnson is navigating another demand from conservatives that has flown more under the radar: Changing the rules on earmarks. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) is leading appropriations critics in proposing an item-by-item scrutiny system to root out ‘political’ projects in both chambers. But new Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) has his own ideas. He told us he wants to unlock the possibility of more earmarks, this time in the Labor-HHS-Education funding bill, which was off limits for member-directed projects last time around. Besides that, he doesn’t see many ‘extensive changes’ this year. The final call is up to Johnson, who of course faces the added pressure from conservatives still weighing an ouster vote.”

Sunday, April 21: Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif. said on ABC’s “This Week” he would support House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., if the House votes on whether to remove him from his job after passing foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. “I disagree with Speaker Johnson on many issues,” said Khanna. “But he did the right thing here and he deserves to keep his job until the end of this term.”

Saturday, April 20: In a historic series of votes, the House convened at 9am Saturday, and passed 4 bills–(1) TikTok/sanctions bill; (2) Indo-Pacific/Taiwan aid; (3) Ukraine aid; and (4) Israel aid, as detailed below. The 4 bills are now packaged and will be sent to the Senate as an amendment to the Senate-passed aid bill HR 815, for Senate action. Following are links to the text, summaries, and cost estimates of each of the bills and the outcome of votes on each of the bills and amendments:

(HR 8038): TikTok; Ukraine Support Fund w/ Russian assets; Hamas, Syria, Iran sanctions; Fentanyl Trafficking (bill text | R-sum | CBO Estimate): Bill Passed 360-58.
Amendments: 1. Gimenez (FL), Wittman (VA), Krishnamoorthi (IL) Requires the annual China Military Power report to provide an assessment of the PRC’s development in critical and emerging technologies and identify key PRC entities involved in each technology sector (amendment passed by voice vote). 2. Nunn (IA) Requires the U.S. Department of Treasury to submit a report and briefing to Congress identifying all assets of the Iranian Government or covered persons valued at more than $5 million and requires a list of all licenses, statements of licensing policy, action letters, and all other sanction exemptions relating to Iran (amendment passed 249-167).
(HR 8036) The Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, $8.12 billion (bill text | R-sum | D-sum | CBO estimate): Bill Passed 385-34. Amendments: 1. Issa (CA), Moylan (GU), Scott (VA) Increases and decreases Foreign Military Funding to express support for the Philippines (amendment passed by voice vote).
(HR 8035) The Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, $60.84 billion (bill text | R-sum | D-sum | CBO estimate): Bill Passed 311-112, all Democrats voting in favor and a majority of Republicans voting against. Motions: Motion to Recommit the vote to the Appropriations Committee failed 88-336. Amendments: 1. Spartz (IN) Strike sections 401, 402, 403, and 407 (amendment failed 105-319). 2. Greene (GA) Reduces every dollar amount in the bill to zero (amendment failed 71-351). 3. Hern (OK) Prohibits funds made available in the “Economic Support Fund” account from being used to pay pensions or government salaries (not offered). 4. Cammack (FL) Eliminates all non-military funding related to Ukraine (amendment failed 154-272).
(HR 8034) The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, $26.38 billion (bill text | R-sum | D-sum | CBO estimate): Bill Passed 366-58, with majority support from both parties. No amendments.

The House also failed to pass H.R. 3602 (a new version of the GOP border bill, HR 2) under suspension of the rules, 215-199 (2/3 being required for passage.)

Saturday statement from Majority Leader Schumer: “A few moments ago, Democrats and Republicans locked in an agreement enabling the Senate to finish work on the supplemental with the first vote on Tuesday afternoon….(T)he House has acted, now it’s the Senate’s turn, and the finish line is now in sight. To our friends in Ukraine, to our allies in NATO, to our allies in Israel, and to civilians around the world in need of aid: rest assured America will deliver yet again.” (emphasis added)

Friday, April 19: The House, in a rare bipartisan vote on a Rule to govern Floor debate, has passed 316-94 the Rule (H.Res. 1160) to advance the emergency supplemental Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan-TikTok/Sanctions package enabling action on each of the 4 bills to proceed. See text and summaries of the 4 bills below. Click here for the terms of the Rule and the list of amendments that will be considered. House action on the 4 bills is expected to be completed on Saturday, following which, the House package will be transmitted to the Senate. Cole Stmt DeLauro Stmt Background

Thursday, April 18 – UPDATED for RULES COMMITTEE ACTION: Late Thursday night, in a key development, the House Rules Committee voted 9-3 to advance the Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and TikTok/Russian asset bills to the House Floor, for consideration with a list of permissible amendments. All Democrats on the Rules panel voted with GOP leadership to advance the package. Next step will be House Floor consideration of the draft Rule. If the Rule is passed on Friday, and the individual bills are passed on Saturday, they will be packaged and sent to the Senate following Saturday’s House votes. Click here for the draft Rule and list of amendments.

On Thursday, CIA Director WILLIAM BURNS warned that, barring more U.S. aid, Ukraine “could lose on the battlefield by the end of 2024.”

Roll Call reports that Chairman Cole is considering new guidelines to restrict earmarks for nonprofits un the HUD Economic Development Initiative Grant, as well as so-called “political earmarks.” Ranking Member DeLauro raised strong concerns.

Wednesday, April 17 – UPDATED-SEE 4th BILL BELOW: House Appropriations Chairman Cole (R-OK) today released Israel, Ukraine, and Indo-Pacific/Taiwan supplemental aid bills. Ranking Democrat DeLauro announced her support for the package of three security funding bills introduced in the House that mirror the Senate-passed bipartisan National Security Act, 2024: “The three bills introduced today provide support for Ukraine’s battle against Russian tyranny and Israel’s war against Hamas terrorists, as well as security for Taiwan and deterrence against Chinese aggression, and to address humanitarian crises in Gaza, Ukraine, and in other populations caught in conflict zones.” Cole stmt DeLauro stmt

Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray endorsed the legislation, saying “I am glad to see the House finally moving forward to pass this critical legislation, which mirrors the package I negotiated and helped pass here in the Senate.”

President Biden has said he will sign the package: “I strongly support this package to get critical support to Israel and Ukraine, provide desperately needed humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, and bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Israel is facing unprecedented attacks from Iran, and Ukraine is facing continued bombardment from Russia that has intensified dramatically in the last month. The House must pass the package this week and the Senate should quickly follow. I will sign this into law immediately to send a message to the world: We stand with our friends, and we won’t let Iran or Russia succeed.”

Also today, Gen. CQ Brown Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee that “Ukraine right now is facing some dire battlefield conditions” due to lack of munitions, vehicles, and platforms (emphasis added).

According to Politico, “In a text to House lawmakers midday Wednesday, the speaker said the House will have time ‘for a robust amendment process,’ predicting final passage Saturday evening.” (emphasis added).

(Late Wednesday, GOP hardliners defeated an effort to pass a rule for a sidecar 5th bill containing components of the House Border bill, H.R. 2, reported Politico.)

Bill #1 (HR 8034): The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, $26.38 billion (text; R-sum; D-sum; CBO estimate)

$4 billion to replenish Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense • $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam defense system • $3.5 billion for advanced weapons systems, defense articles and services • $1 billion to enhance production and development of artillery and critical munitions. • $4.4 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services • $2.4 billion for current U.S. military operations in the region in response to recent attacks • $9.15 billion to address the dire need for humanitarian assistance for Gaza as well as other vulnerable populations around the world.

Bill #2 (HR 8035): The Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, $60.84 billion (text; R-sum; D-sum; CBO estimate)

$13.78 billion for Ukraine security assistance • $13.41 billion to replenish U.S. stocks • $20.5 billion for U.S. Armed Forces mission support • $9.5 billion in forgivable loans for economic support • $481 million for humanitarian services • $149 million to prepare for and respond to potential nuclear and radiological incidents • $26 million to continue oversight and accountability.
Roll Call reports that a key difference from the Senate-passed aid bill is the $9.5 billion in economic aid to Ukraine structured as a forgivable loan.
In a related story, Politico reports that the Administration is “making a new push this week to rally reluctant allies behind the idea that billions in immobilized Russian assets should be tapped to support Ukraine.”

Bill #3 (HR 8036): The Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, $8.12 billion (text; R-sum; D-sum; CBO estimate)

$3.3 billion to develop submarine infrastructure, including investments in dry dock construction • $2 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan and other key allies and security partners in the Indo-Pacific • $1.9 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Taiwan and regional partners • $542 million to strengthen U.S. military capabilities in the region • $133 million to enhance the production and development of artillery and critical munitions.

Bill #4 (HR 8038): Fourth Bill: TikTok; Ukraine Support Fund w/ Russian assets; Hamas, Syria, Iran sanctions; Fentanyl Trafficking (text; R-sum; CBO Estimate)

RollCall: “Would allow TikTok owner ByteDance 270 days from the date of enactment to divest the app. The measure would also give the president the flexibility to offer a one-time extension of 90 days, bringing the total time available for ByteDance to nearly a year….(D)irect the president to set up a Ukraine Support Fund and work with partner countries to establish a mechanism that would allow use of frozen Russian sovereign assets to help reconstruct Ukraine from the damage caused by Russia’s invasion.” According to the House Foreign Affairs Committee bill summary, the measure also includes provisions pertaining to: sanctions against Hamas and other terrorist groups; sanctions on individuals assisting Bashar al-Assad; sanctions on Iran; sanctions on anyone involved in supplying components for Iranian missiles; strengthening sanctions on the use of civilians as human shields; and fentanyl trafficking.

Tuesday, April 16: House GOP Leadership released a statement suporting Speaker Johnson’s plan for separate votes on Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan aid, and a 4th catch-all bill this week: House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cole (R-OK), House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Chairman Calvert (R-CA), House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rogers (R-AL), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman McCaul (R-TX), and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH) released this statement: “There is nothing our adversaries would love more than if Congress were to fail to pass critical national security aid. Speaker Johnson has produced a plan that will boost U.S. national security interests in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. We don’t have time to spare when it comes to our national security. We need to pass this aid package this week” (emphasis added).

Meanwhile, Speaker Johnson’s plan to move forward with a vote on Ukraine aid has driven Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) to join Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s effort to oust Johnson, complicating the outlook for House action on the supplemental and for Johnson’s speakership. See Politico Playbook PM. Johnson says he won’t resign, reports CNN, saying “it is, in my view, an absurd notion that someone would bring a vacate motion when we are simply here trying to do our jobs.”

“The text of the plan has not been released, so House Democrats are still weighing whether to bail out Johnson – or stand up against (Johnson’s 4-bill plan) and pressure Republicans to instead take up the $95 billion Senate package that Johnson has sidelined for two months,” CNN reports.

Monday, April 15: Updated–Speaker Johnson has reportedly rejected allowing a vote on the Senate-passed Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan-Gaza Aid package, and instead plans to call for votes on 4 separate bills–which would require new consideration by the Senate, greatly slowing down the enactment of aid. In addition, it is unclear according to Politico whether Johnson can get House Republicans to support a rule to enable consideration of the four bills. Also unclear is whether Johnson will attempt to craft a rule that combines the bills, if passed, prior to transmittal to the Senate for that chamber’s consideration, although that appears to be the plan. (More background from Roll Call.) The 4 bills are:

Israel aid; [earlier today, the White House expressed opposition to an Israel-only bill and some Senate Democrats have expressed opposition to an Israel-only bill w/o conditions attached]
Ukraine aid; [watch today’s PBS interview with Ukraine’s President Zelensky]
Indo-Pacific / Taiwan aid; and
a 4th bill including a ban on TikTok, sale of seized assets from Russian oligarchs, a lend-lease act for military aid, and convertible loans for humanitarian relief (it is unclear whether this 4th bill will include $10 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza and other troubled hotspots as in the Senate-passed bill].

Also, today, Roll Call reported that House Appropriations Chair Cole is considering changes to earmark guidelines to limit earmarks that are “political” in nature.

Sunday, April 14: This Week’s Big Question in Appropriations: Will Iran’s attack on Israel, lead Speaker Johnson to allow a vote on the Senate-passed Israel-Ukraine supplemental? It appears not. He told Fox News on Sunday, he is putting together a new bill:

Speaker Mike Johnson on Fox News: “House Republicans and the Republican Party understand the necessity of standing with Israel….We’re going to try again this week, and the details of that package are being put together. Right now, we’re looking at the options and all these supplemental issues.” Reported by the NYTimes
House Foreign Affairs Chair McCaul said Sunday on Face the Nation, the Israel and Ukraine conflicts are tied together, and he hoped they would be addressed together. “What happened in Israel last night happens in Ukraine every night.” Reported by the NYTimes
House Appropriations Chair Cole’s statement: “Israel has the right to defend itself, and I strongly condemn Tehran’s attack on one of our greatest allies. This is a dangerous escalation that further derails the safety and security of the region and the world. Congress must continue to ensure Israel is equipped with the resources and capabilities needed to defend itself in full force against this terror. This is a defining moment – our actions must show the United States remains steadfast in our commitment to Israel’s security. We must work together and lead with strength. Our prayers are with Israel.”
House Appropriations Ranking Member DeLauro’s statement: “Iran’s attack on Israel highlights the need to provide urgent assistance to all of our allies, including Israel, Ukraine, Indo-Pacific partners, and humanitarian aid. When the House convenes on Monday, our first order of business should be to agree to the Senate-passed supplemental, which is the fastest and best path to providing emergency aid.”

Thursday, April 11: House Appropriations Chairman Cole released guidance for FY 2025 programmatic and language requests and released changes to the lineup of subcommittee chairs:

Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) will chair the Homeland Security Subcommittee.
Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) will chair the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) will chair the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee.
Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) will chair the Legislative Branch Subcommittee.

Also today, CBS News reports that Maryland’s congressional delegation unveiled legislation requiring the federal government to pay 100% (instead of 90%) of the costs of rebuilding the Key Bridge in Baltimore. In a related story, the Washington Post reports that Maryland might leap frog over other states seeking federal funds for highway disasters from the Federal Highway Administration’s emergency relief fund, which currently has only $890 million on hand with a backlog of $2.1 billion in requests (before the costs of Key Bridge reconstruction are calculated). Also today, the schedule was released today for Senate appropriation hearings next week: FY 2025 hearing schedule.

Wednesday, April 10: House Republican Conference officially named Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Musical chairs: With the retirement of Kay Granger as the committee chair and a subcommittee chair, Cole’s first task will be to sort out the lineup of sought-after subcommittee chairmanships (aka “the Cardinals”). See Roll Call for early reports on possible chairmanships. DeLauro Stmt

Also today, Chairman Cole announced senior appropriations staff: Susan Ross – Chief Clerk and Staff Director; Adam Sullivan – Deputy Staff Director; Josh Grogis – Senior Advisor and Director of Member Services; Matt Diller – Parliamentarian and Policy Director; Sara Peters – Counsel and Budget Director; Alexia Sikora – Chief of Communications; Alex Attebery – Director of Communications; Joe Russo – Director of Coalitions; and Brenan Tjelmeland – Director of Operations.

Tuesday, April 9: Today, the House GOP Steering Committee recommended that Rep. Tom Cole serve as the new Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. The recommendation will now go before the Republican Conference to be ratified.

Declaring that “FY 2024 was hard; ’25 will be harder,” Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray delivered remarks about the FY 2025 appropriations process, the desparate need for House passage of Ukraine aid in the Senate’s bipartisan national security supplemental, and the need for funding to reopen the Port of Baltimore and rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Murray also underscored the difficulty of the Fiscal Responsibility Act caps on discretionary spending for FY 2025 which permit only a 1% increase in budget authority for defense discetionary ($886b increasing to $895b) and for non-defense discretionary ($704b increasing to $711b); see the table at the bottom of this page for complete details. Murray pledged to ensure that any FY 2025 agreement takes care of both non-defense and defense needs. The Committee’s Ranking Republican, Susan Collins, today also underscored the need for House passage of the national security supplemental and questioned Administration officials about their FY 2025 defense requests. Meanwhile Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene’s grandstanding against Speaker Mike Johnson and her threats to trigger a motion to oust him, are complicating the path to passage of Ukraine Aid; see reporting by the NYTimes and WashingtonPost.

Friday, April 5: Senate Majority Leader Schumer released a letter to his colleagues on the legislative agenda for 2024 including the national security supplemental, nominations, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) reauthorization, reopening the Port of Baltimore and rebuilding the Key Bridge, FAA authorization, and advance “bipartisan bills that enhance our national security, advance online safety for kids and promote innovation, expand the Child Tax Credit, work on a path forward on TikTok legislation, combat the fentanyl crisis, hold failed bank executives accountable, address rail safety, ensure internet affordability, safeguard cannabis banking, outcompete the Chinese government, (and) lower the cost of prescription drugs like insulin while expanding access to health care….”

CBO released its final sequestration report for FY 2024 finding that “a sequestration will not be required for 2024. However, the authority to make that determination—and, if so, how to cut budgetary resources— rests with the Administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Those determinations are based on OMB’s own estimates of federal spending.” (emphasis added)

Thursday, April 4: Senator Collins releases congressionally directed spending (earmark) request form for FY 2025.

Tuesday, April 2: Senate GOP Leader McConnell says the federal government will pay the “lion’s share” of the cost of repairing Baltimore’s Key Bridge, The Hill reports. “In situations like that, whether it’s a hurricane in Florida or an accident like this, the federal government will step up and do the lion’s share of it,” McConnell told Louisville radio host Terry Meiners in an interview.

Thursday, March 28: Punchbowl News did an analysis (who voted no and took the dough) of Members of Congress who voted against the $1.2 trillion spending bill, but had earmarks in the bill for their states or districts.

Saturday, 3-23: Shutdown Averted – After rejecting several amendments and motions (by Senators Lee, Paul, Cruz, Tuberville, Schmitt, Johnson, Lankford, Budd, and Hagerty), early Saturday morning the Senate passed 74-24 HR 2882 (Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024), the $1.2 trillion 2d FY 2024 funding package (amendment to H.R. 2882), including Defense, Financial-Services-General-Govt, Homeland-Sec., Labor-HHS-Ed, Leg., and State-Foreign Ops. Chair Murray stmt on passage Ranking Member Collins stmt on passage President signed. CBO Cost Estimate

Friday, 3-22: At 2:03pm, the Senate voted 78-18 to proceed to consideration of the $1.2 trillion 2d FY 2024 funding package (amendment to H.R. 2882), including Defense, Financial-Services-General-Govt, Homeland-Sec., Labor-HHS-Ed, Leg., and State-Foreign Ops. In order to reach a vote on final passage, the Senate will need to reach an agreement on amendment votes, with Politico reporting an impasse over votes on border/immigration amendments. Chair Murray remarks Ranking Member Collins remarks Majority Leader Schumer remarks

Earlier today, at 11:45am, the House voted 286-134 to suspend the rules (2/3 required) and pass the $1.2 trillion FY 2024 funding package. A majority of House Republicans opposed passage of the funding measure, while all but 22 Democrats voted for passage. Rep. Majorie Taylor Green (R-GA) punctuated her opposition by filing a motion to oust Speaker Johnson. CNN reports that some House Democrats have offered to protect the Speaker’s gavel, if he agrees to bring Ukraine aid to the House Floor for a vote when Congress returns from a two-week recess.

Also today, House Appropriations Chair Granger asked the Speaker to appoint a new committee chair for the remainder of the 118th Congress. Background from Politico.

Thursday, 3-21: The House is heading towards a two-week recess without acting on the Senate-passed Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan aid package. Senate GOP Leader McConnell dismissed the “loan option” saying, “We’re running out of time. And the best way we can get Ukraine the help they need is for the House to pass the Senate bill. The problem with changing it .. is it can take three days to do the simplest thing here in the Senate. We don’t have the time.”

Appropriators early Thursday morning released the 2d FY 2024 funding package, including Defense, Financial-Services-General-Govt, Homeland-Sec., Labor-HHS-Ed, Leg., and State-Foreign Ops. Text, joint statement, summaries, and earmarks, can be accessed below. House is expected to vote on Friday. Additional background at Roll Call and Politico. CBO Cost Estimate

Wednesday, 3-20: Roll Call reports at 1:09pm that appropriations text could be available as soon as Wednesday afternoon; other sources advise the release could be Thursday. The text has been delayed due to late negotiations on the Homeland Security portion of the minibus. The Roll Call article, here, reports on several riders included in the forthcoming package. Additional details are covered by Politico, here. The Hill reports, here, that Sen. Rand Paul will delay passage of the 6-bill minibus, which could trigger a short partial government shutdown.

The Congressional Budget Office today released The Long-Term Budget Outlook: 2024-2054 projecting: “The deficit increases significantly in relation to gross domestic product (GDP) over the next 30 years, reaching 8.5 percent of GDP in 2054. That growth results from rising interest costs and large and sustained primary deficits….Debt held by the public, boosted by the large deficits, reaches its highest level ever in 2029 (measured as a percentage of GDP) and then continues to grow, reaching 166 percent of GDP in 2054 and remaining on track to increase thereafter. That mounting debt would slow economic growth, push up interest payments to foreign holders of U.S. debt, and pose significant risks to the fiscal and economic outlook….Outlays are large by historical standards, and they generally rise over the 2024–2054 period, reaching 27.3 percent of GDP in 2054. Rising interest costs and spending for the major health care programs, particularly Medicare, drive that growth.” However, CBO found that, “measured as a percentage of GDP, the deficit is now projected to be 1.6 percentage points smaller in 2053 than it was in last year’s report, and federal debt is now projected to be 17 percentage points smaller. A key factor contributing to smaller projected deficits is a reduction in discretionary spending stemming from the annual funding limits under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 and from the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024.”

Tuesday, 3-19: Roll Call reported at 8:07pm that the House could vote as soon as Friday on the 6-bill spending package in an effort to limit the effects of a brief weekend shutdown. Legislative text is not anticipated until Wednesday, and will be posted by Appropriations.com as soon as it is available.

Politico reported at 4:07pm that “whether funding will lapse early Saturday morning for the Pentagon and key non-defense agencies is largely up to Speaker Mike Johnson, who will have to decide this week between three choices: Bend House rules to speed up passage, embrace a short funding patch to buy more time — or let federal cash stop flowing to most federal programs for a few days.” Shutdown plans The package will be posted here on Appropriations.com as soon as it becomes available, late Tuesday or Wednesday.

Appropriations deal reached. Roll Call and Politico reported that House GOP and Biden Administration negotiators reached a deal on the Homeland Security Appropriations bill Monday night, but prepping the final 6-bill (DEF, FSGG, HSec, L-HHS-ED, LEG, S-FOps) appropriations package for Floor consideration in the House and Senate could push final passage beyond Friday night, causing a brief partial shutdown this weekend.

Monday, 3-18: Roll Call reported at 4:26pm that “House GOP and Biden administration negotiators were closing in on a fiscal 2024 Homeland Security spending deal Monday, even as agencies face a potential brief appropriations lapse this weekend with time running tight….the formal posting of the final six-bill package now could slip to as late as Wednesday….” (emphasis added) Among the issues being negotiated are more funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention capacity and Transportation Security Administration pay increases. See also, Washington Post, Border security talks could push spending bills past shutdown deadline.

Politico reported at 2:21pm that the Administration’s “late-stage bid to save the Department of Homeland Security from a flat budget is pushing Congress perilously close to a Saturday shutdown of most of the federal government.” Funding for the remaining 6 appropriations bills (DEF, FSGG, HSec, L-HHS-ED, LEG, S-FOps) expires Friday at midnight.

Sunday, 3-17: 8pm: Roll Call reported this evening that “lawmakers are back to writing a full-year FY 2024 Homeland Security appropriations bill….However, release of text for the complete six-bill package is now expected Monday at the earliest, putting Congress on a compressed timeline to clear the legislation before Friday at midnight, when current stopgap funding lapses.”

Earlier today, Roll Call reported that White House objections to a full-year continuing resolution for Homeland Security appropriations is slowing release of the final appropriations package. Among items reported to be holding up agreement are a White House request for $1.56 billion in additional border funding. Roll Call reports that “the other bills in the package — Defense, Labor-HHS-Education, Financial Services, Legislative Branch and State-Foreign Operations — had their own hangups but were considered in better shape and likely to be completed on Sunday.” Appropriations language will be posted here, at Appropriations.com, as soon as it becomes available.

Friday, 3-15: Funding in the State-Foreign Operations appropriation bill for UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees)–some employees of which have been accused of involvement in the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel–is emerging as an impediment to completion of the SFOps bill. Background

Heading for a Cromnibus (a CR for Homeland Security packaged with the other 5 appropriation bills)? Roll Call reports that negotiations over the Homeland Security appropriations bill “have fallen apart” and appropriators “are now planning for a full-year continuing resolution” for the Department. While the Fiscal Responsibility Act requires a budget sequester (across-the-board cuts) if a CR remains in place on April 30, some appropriators believe the CR would be drafted to override the sequester (which, according to CBO would trigger defense cuts). According to Roll Call, other pending appropriation issues include language blocking a pay increase for Members of Congress and several LGBTQ earmarks in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

Thursday, 3-14: The Hill reports that Speaker Johnson is considering launching a new Ukraine aid bill substantially different from the Senate-passed Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan-Gaza aid bill. Under consideration by the Speaker are “lend-lease” options, as well as seizing Russian sovereign assets and making them available to Ukraine. Senate Appropriations Ranking Republican Susan Collins said, “I’ll consider any option that’s put out there. I think a loan would impose a further burden on Ukraine right now at a time when they don’t need it but if that’s what it takes to get aid through, I’d be willing to consider.” However, Senate Republican Leader McConnell has said, “The only way to get relief to the Ukrainians and the Israelis quickly is for the House to figure out how to pass the Senate bill.”

In terms of timing, Speaker Johnson said he wants to complete action on the 6 remaining appropriation bills before turning to Ukraine aid. According to The Hill, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) said major disagreements remain over the Homeland Security appropriations bill due to disagreements over immigration and border policy. Funding for the remaining 6 appropriation bills expires at midnight Friday, March 22, triggering a partial shutdown absent another continuing resolution.

Wednesday, 3-13: CBO released updated estimates of across-the-board cuts in appropriations (sequestration) required under two scenarios—(1) completion of the 6 remaining appropriation bills prior to April 30 which would trigger a nondefense sequester of $29 billion to remain within the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) caps (this does not take into account emergency and other spending outside the caps); and (2) a full-year continuing resolution for the remaining 6 appropriation bills which would trigger an April 30th defense sequester of $11 billion to remain within the FRA adjusted defense cap. Note: Under the Deficit Control Act, OMB, not CBO, makes the final determination on sequester orders. Also today, Majority Leader Schumer spoke about the importance of passing the remaining 6 appropriation bills to avoid a shutdown when funding expires March 22.

Tuesday, 3-12: House Rules Committee Ranking Democrat Jim McGovern filed a discharge petition to attempt to secure a Floor vote on the Senate-passed Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan-Gaza aid package. The $95 billion package passed the Senate last month 70-29, but Speaker Johnson has refused to allow a vote on the measure due to opposition from hard-right conservatives and former President Trump who oppose Ukraine aid and demand inclusion of House-passed immigration changes. In order for the discharge petition to succeed, at least five Republicans would have to join all House Democrats which is unlikely (in part, because some Democrats oppose Israel aid). In addition to the McGovern petition, Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick filed a discharge petition seeking a vote on a Problem Solvers Caucus $66 billion aid package that includes immigration provisions and excludes humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Senate Republican Leader McConnell said, “I want to encourage the speaker again to allow a vote. Let the House speak on the supplemental that we sent over to them several weeks ago,” reported CBS News.

Monday, 3-11: Stmt from House Approps Ranking Member

Saturday, 3-9: The President signed the 6-bill Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024.

Friday, 3-8: The Senate passed 75-22 the 6-bill appropriations minibus (HR 4366, as amended by the bipartisan agreement) clearing the measure for the President and averting a partial government shutdown. The measure contains the following 6 bills: Agriculture, C-J-S, Energy-Water, INT-ENV, MilCon-VA, and T-HUD bills. Earlier in the day the Senate invoked cloture 63-35. Murray Stmt Collins Stmt During consideration, the Senate took the following actions: Lee amendment defeated 43-50; Schmitt amendment defeated 37-59; Scott motion defeated 32-64; and Hagerty amendment defeated 45-51. The Senate also passed a concurrent resolution to make a correction in the package. Appropriators will now focus on reaching agreement on the 6 remaining bills–DEF, FSGG, HSec, L-HHS-ED, LEG, S-FOps.–funding for which expires March 22. CBO cost estimate

Text of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 is available here.
Earmarks included in the package are available here.
Individual subcommittee summaries and joint explanatory statement language are below:
- Jt. Explanatory Statement – Front Matter
- Division A – Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies: Hse-R Sum | Hse-D Sum | Sen-D Sum | Sen-R Sum | Jt. Explanatory Statement
- Division B – Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies: Hse-R Sum | Hse-D Sum | Sen-D Sum | Sen-R-Sum | Jt. Explanatory Statement [Murray Statement on full funding for WIC]
- Division C – Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies: Hse-R Sum | Hse-D Sum | Sen-D Sum | Sen-R Sum | Jt. Explanatory Statement
- Division D – Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies: Hse-R Sum | Hse-D Sum | Sen-D Sum | Sen-R Sum | Jt. Explanatory Statement
- Division E – Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: Hse-R Sum | Hse-D Sum | Sen-D Sum | Sen-R Sum | Jt. Explanatory Statement
- Division F – Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies: Hse-R Sum | Hse-D Sum | Sen-D Sum | Sen-R Sum | Jt. Explanatory Statement

Thursday, 3-7: President’s State of the Union address foreshadowing some of the budget proposals to be released on Monday, March 11. House Budget Committee marked up an FY 2025 budget resolution. See GovBudget.com for details.

Wednesday, 3-6: The House today voted 339-85 to pass the 6-bill appropriations minibus (H.Res. 1061) under suspension of the rules (2/3 required). The amended bill now goes to the Senate for final passage before it is cleared for the President; funding under four bills expires at Friday midnight. Background from Politico.

Tuesday, 3-5: CBO released its cost estimate of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. Also, today, the White House released its Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) urging “swift passage” of the bipartisan 6-bill amendment to H.R, 4366, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. Highlighted by the SAP: “The bill fully funds the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)…. maintains rental assistance for millions of families, and expands assistance to an additional 3,000 households…. maintains pay raises for Federal wildland fire fighters, and fully funds veterans’ medical care….increases funding for rural housing assistance, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Violence Against Women Act, and science investments at the Department of Energy…. appreciates the extension of several vital health care programs, including the Special Diabetes Program….opposes the language included in the bill that would potentially undermine the ability of the Veterans’ Affairs Department to report a beneficiary to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System to keep guns out of the hands of those prohibited under Federal law from purchasing or possessing firearms.”

Sunday, 3-3: House and Senate appropriators released a 6-bill minibus today for House and Senate Floor action this week:

Text of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 is available here.
Earmarks included in the package are available here.
Individual subcommittee summaries and joint explanatory statement language are below:
- Jt. Explanatory Statement – Front Matter
- Division A – Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies: Hse-R Sum | Hse-D Sum | Sen-D Sum | Sen-R Sum | Jt. Explanatory Statement
- Division B – Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies: Hse-R Sum | Hse-D Sum | Sen-D Sum | Sen-R-Sum | Jt. Explanatory Statement [Murray Statement on full funding for WIC]
- Division C – Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies: Hse-R Sum | Hse-D Sum | Sen-D Sum | Sen-R Sum | Jt. Explanatory Statement
- Division D – Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies: Hse-R Sum | Hse-D Sum | Sen-D Sum | Sen-R Sum | Jt. Explanatory Statement
- Division E – Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: Hse-R Sum | Hse-D Sum | Sen-D Sum | Sen-R Sum | Jt. Explanatory Statement
- Division F – Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies: Hse-R Sum | Hse-D Sum | Sen-D Sum | Sen-R Sum | Jt. Explanatory Statement
The legislation is expected to be considered first in the House and then later this week by the Senate. The remaining six appropriations bills for fiscal year 2024 are expected to be released in the coming days and be voted on ahead of their expiration on March 22.

Friday, 3/1 – SHUTDOWN AVERTED: This afternoon, President Biden signed HR 7463, the continuing resolution passed by the House and Senate yesterday. Washington Post reports that the Pell grant provision in yesterday’s continuing resolution “effectively blocks a recent Education Department move that could have expanded access to federal Pell Grants for some students who are financially dependent on their families.” Politico reports that significant issues remain to complete negotiations on the 6 appropriation bills that have a new deadline of March 22.

Thursday, 2/29: The Senate Thursday evening passed 77-13 the new continuing resolution (HR 7463) to move the funding deadlines from March 1 and 8, to March 8 and 22, clearing the measure for the President and averting a partial government shutdown. Murray Stmt The new CR would also amend the formula used to determine eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant Program beginning in award year 2024-2025 and appropriate additional funds for the program. CBO scoring of the new CR Earlier in the day, the House passed the measure 320-99 under suspension of the rules (2/3 required). Granger Stmt DeLauro Stmt Prior to passage, the Senate defeated several amendment/motions pertaining to the Federal Reserve (37-53), full-year CR plus Israel aid (14-76), full-year CR (12-77), and adding the House immigration bill (32-58). Under the leadership agreement, Floor action on Agriculture, Energy-Water, MilCon-VA, T-HUD, Int-Env, and Commerce-Justice-Science should occur next week prior to the March 8 deadline, with the other 6 bills to fall under the March 22 deadline. Biden says he will sign the new CR and urges passage of Ukraine aid.

Wednesday, 2/28: Congressional leaders today struck a deal (text of joint statement) to avert a partial shutdown this weekend by pushing the March 1 funding expiration (for Agriculture, Energy-Water, MilCon-VA, and T-HUD) to March 8; the leaders agreed that they would also complete the Interior-Environment and Commerce-Justice-Science bills by March 8. Negotiations on all 6 bills have been completed and bill text could be released by this weekend setting up Floor consideration next week. The other six bills–Defense, FSGG, Homeland Sec., Labor-HHS-Ed, Leg. Branch, and State-FOps, would have a new funding expiration date of March 22 (extending the current March 8 deadline). The new deadlines will require expedited House and Senate action by this Friday on a fourth continuing resolution (CR).

Politico reports the leaders of 23 European parliaments published an open letter to Speaker Mike Johnson imploring him to take up and pass Ukraine aid. Meanwhile, the NYTimes reports that House Democratic Leader Jeffries suggested “a reasonable number” of his colleagues would vote to save Speaker Johnson’s gavel if his party sought to oust him over allowing a vote on the Ukraine-Israel-Gaza-Taiwan aid bill. “It does seem to me,” Mr. Jeffries said, “based on informal conversations, that were Speaker Johnson to do the right thing relative to meeting the significant national security needs of the American people by putting it on the floor for an up-or-down vote, there will be a reasonable number of people in the House Democratic Caucus who will take the position that he should not fall as a result.” Jeffries predicted the Senate-passed aid bill would receive “north of 300 votes from both sides of the aisle” if brought to the Floor for a vote.

Tuesday, 2/27: Politico reports Speaker Johnson made “unequivocally” clear he wants to avoid a partial closure this weekend according to Senate Majority Leader Schumer. Senate Minority Leader McConnell said, “as always, the task at hand will require that everyone rows in the same direction toward clean appropriations and away from poison pills,” reports the Washington Post. According to Roll Call, “when he got back to the Capitol, Schumer told reporters that he made clear to the Speaker that to avoid a shutdown would require another continuing resolution.” Senate Appropriations Chair Murray said on the Floor late this afternoon, “I am working around the clock to wrap up several spending bills by Friday. And if we need to pass a very short-term CR along with whatever bills we can finish this week, Democrats are ready to make it happen so we can prevent a completely unnecessary shutdown, and continue making progress on our bills.” Senate Appropriations Ranking Member Susan Collins said, “I think we’re in better shape than people realize.” She said the text of some spending bills could be posted in the next 24 to 48 hours, reports Politico.

Funding expires Friday midnight for agencies funded by the Agriculture, Energy-Water, MilCon-VA, and T-HUD bills.
See Senate Appropriations Chair Murray’s summary of the effects of a possible shutdown.
For details on specific department and agency shutdown plans, follow this link to the OMB website.
See a nonpartisan explanation on our Government Shutdown page.

With regard to the lack of arms and munitions in Ukraine, President Biden said, “the consequences of inaction every day in Ukraine are dire,” the Post reported. The Senate-passed Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan aid bill, which also includes humanitarian aid for Gaza, would likely pass the House with bipartisan support if put to a vote, but the Speaker might face a challenge to his leadership–similar to his predecessor Kevin McCarthy–if he puts Ukraine aid to a vote. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said of the Speaker’s dilemma, “He can either be a leader, or he can do his best to keep his job but not get anything done.”

Monday, 2/26: The Senate reconvened today; the House returns Wednesday. With talks stalled on the FY 2024 appropriations bills and the Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan aid bill, President Biden will meet Tuesday at 11:30am at the White House with the four congressional leaders — Johnson, Jeffries, Schumer, and McConnell — to see if there is a path forward to avoid a partial government shutdown at week’s end and resume desparately needed security aid for Ukraine. Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray said, “If the House Republicans would back off their extreme policy riders, we’d be through,” reports Politico. Schumer Floor remarks. Additional background from the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, NYTiimes, CNN, Roll Call, The Hill, PunchBowl News. On Ukraine aid, see NYTimes: Jeffries Weighs How to Force Ukraine Aid Vote While Keeping Democrats United

Sunday, 2/25 evening update: Roll Call reports that negotiations have stalled in the effort to pass the Agriculture, Energy-Water, Military Construction-VA and Transportation-HUD bills before funding for those programs expire this Friday. President Biden will meet with the top four congressional leaders on Tuesday in an effort to avoid a partial shutdown this weekend and to discuss the stalled Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan aid bill. More from Politico. Schumer Dear Colleague Letter on Appropriations and Ukraine Funding

Sunday, 2/25 morning: The Washington Post reports, “Multiple people familiar with House and Senate negotiations said leaders were nearing an agreement on legislation to fund the departments of Agriculture, Energy, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development. Spending authority for those agencies is set to expire (Friday night). Funding for the remaining 80 percent of the federal government — including the departments of Commerce, Justice, State, Defense, Homeland Security, Interior, Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services — expires (March 8), but lawmakers may need more time to piece together legislation for those agencies….Congressional leaders are expected to consider a stopgap funding bill (CR)…to maintain the budgets of those agencies at current spending levels until mid-March….One person familiar with the negotiations said Republicans were bracing for a social media post or statement from former president Donald Trump that could derail the spending agreements….” Perhaps the biggest hurdle for the FY ’24 appropriation bills and the Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan aid bill is Speaker Johnson’s fear of a challenge to his speakership from the hard-right “Freedom Caucus.” On Friday, moderate Democrat Jaren Golden said he would vote to protect Speaker Johnson’s gavel if he backs the FY 2024 spending bills and the Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan aid bill, reported The Hill.

Friday, 2/23: Fourteen House Democrats wrote in a letter to congressional leaders, “We write to strongly urge you to advance appropriations bills without harmful poison pill policy riders…. Clean funding bills – free of contentious poison pill riders that members of both parties oppose – represent the best path forward as we work to fulfill our duty to the American people to keep the federal government running.” Also on Friday, Senate Majority Leader Schumer visited Ukraine challenging Speaker Johnson to “rise to the occasion” and pass more U.S. aid, reported the AP. Additional background from NBC News and Politico.

Thursday, 2/22: Punchbowl News reports, “Top aides to (Speaker Mike) Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have been meeting with appropriations staffers as often as twice each day, trying to close out the 12 spending bills ahead of the twin deadlines.” Key remaining issues are conservative policy riders–including abortion, guns, and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion programs)–with hard-right conservatives insisting on inclusion and Democrats insisting on clean bills. House Financial Services Chair Patrick McHenry told CBS News there’s a 50-50 chance of a government shutdown: “It will come down to the Speaker’s decision on whether or not to just fund the government and get on with the deal” or side with members insisting on policy riders who could threaten his Speakership. Avoiding a shutdown next Friday at midnight will require concluding negotiations this weekend, with the Senate reconvening next Monday and the House next Wednesday.
On the stalled Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan aid bill, McHenry said that a “discharge petition” to bring the Senate-passed bill to the House Floor did not have better than a 30% chance, while a different maneuver, “defeating the previous question” (where a majority fores an immediate vote on a bill that is not on the floor) has a slightly better chance, although the maneuver is rare. (For background, see “Previous Question” in the Congressional Institute Glossary.)

Wednesday, 2/21: Hard-right conservatives in the House sent a letter to Speaker Johnson demanding an update on FY 2024 appropriations negotiations, in particular, the status of conservative policy riders included in the House-passed appropriation bills–stating that a year-long continuing resolution would be preferable to negotiated appropriation bills that do not include the policy riders.

Tuesday, 2/20: Politico reports a tentative deal to fully fund WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) in exchange for a voluntary pilot program in five states known as “SNAP-choice” limiting recipients in to “nutrient dense” foods aligned with the dietary guidelines. The deal, if accepted, could ease the way for passage of the Agriculture appropriation bill.

Monday, 2/19: The Hill reported that President Biden said he’d be willing to meet with Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss the Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan aid bill: “Sure, I’d be happy to meet with him if he has anything to say.” Biden than took aim at House Republicans, “The way they’re walking away from the threat of Russia; the way they’re walking away from NATO; the way they’re walking away from meeting our obligations. It’s just shocking,” Biden said.

Sunday, 2/18: The Hill: Cheney calls on Johnson to act on Ukraine aid.

Saturday, 2/17: Nivalny’s Death and Ukraine’s fight for freedom: Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia: “Goodbye to my fearless friend, Alexei Navalny.” President Biden said, “This tragedy reminds us of the stakes of the moment….History is watching the House of Representatives. The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten.” Additional background from global reactions at the Munich Security Conference.

Friday, 2/16: NBC News reported that, the House Bipartisan Problem Solvers’ Caucus unveiled HR 7372, a $66 billion supplemental aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific and U.S. operations in the Middle East. The package drops humanitarian aid for Gaza and other crisis areas and includes several immigration policy changes. Additional background from Roll Call and NPR.

Thursday, 2/15: House recessed until Feb. 28 without taking any action on the Senate-passed $95 billion supplemental spending bill for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan and without passing any of the FY 2024 appropriation bills needed to avoid government shutdowns on March 1 and 8. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer told Bloomberg Television, “You are not going to get another continuing resolution out of our conference.”

Wednesday, 2/14: NBC News reported late last night that Speaker Johnson wants a meeting with the President before the House takes any action on the $95 billion supplemental spending bill for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. However, Bloomberg reported today that “the White House dismissed Speaker Johnson’s demand for direct talks…(because) Johnson’s position on immigration and foreign aid has repeatedly shifted, and thus a meeting with the president would be unproductive.” Politico reports that Speaker Johnon is “facing intense pressure from conservatives to oppose any Ukraine funding and keep H.R. 2, a House-passed border bill on the table.” Moreover, Semafor reported today that the hope of some House Democrats to bring the aid bill to the House Floor with a discharge petition is running into opposition from some progressives.
Also today, see Testimony of CBO Director Swagel on The Budget and Economic Outlook: 2024 to 2034.

Tuesday, 2/13: At 5:14am, the Senate passed 70-29 HR 815, as amended, the $95 billion supplemental spending bill for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Murray Stmt Collins Stmt House Speaker Johnson has given no indication he is willing to bring the Senate-passed aid bill to the House Floor. The future of the bill may hinge on the use of the seldom-used discharge petition but the process is lengthy and “has rarely been used successfully.” See “Discharge Procedure in the House“ by the Congressional Research Service.

Monday, 2/12: As of 11:30pm, the Senate is expected to reach a final vote early Tuesday morning on the $95 billion no-border supplemental spending bill for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Thus far, the Senate has conducted the following procedural votes: voted 66-33 to waive Budget Act points of order; voted 66-33 in favor of the (Murray) substitute amendment which contains the supplemental spending bill; and voted 66-33 to invoke cloture on HR 815 as amended by the Murray substitute.

The Hill reports the following sticking points in House-Senate negotiations to pass the 12 FY 2024 appropriation bills: funding for the FBI and election security assistance; IRS funding; and policy riders.

Sunday, 2/11: The Senate today voted 67-27 to invoke cloture advancing H.R. 815, the $95 billion no-border supplemental spending bill for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. (Cloture cuts off a filibuster by limiting debate.) Additional debate still remains on the package, but today’s vote suggests it is headed towards final passage this week. However, it remains unclear what Speaker Johnson will do with the Senate package. The $95 billion package, headed for Senate passage, is summarized in this statement from Ranking Member Collins which explains that more than a third of the package goes to replenishing U.S. military stockpiles. Myths v. Facts

Friday, 2/9: The Senate voted Friday evening 64-19 on a procedural motion to advance a $95 billion no-border supplemental spending bill for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. [Sen. Collins’ summary of the bill; Floor speech; Stmt] The spending measure is attached to house bill H.R. 815. Fourteen GOP Senators, including Leader McConnell, voted for the measure. The measure may be headed for Senate passage next week, but progress could be slow due to procedural roadblocks by Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, reports Politico. If the bill passes the Senate, it is unclear if or when the House will take up the measure due to hard-right opposition to Ukraine spending. A previous version including border security spending and immigration policy changes was blocked by the Senate GOP earlier in the week. On a parallel track, Senate and House appropriators are continuing to work on the twelve FY 2024 spending bills to avoid government shutdowns on March 1 and 8.

Thursday, 2/8: Today, the Senate advanced a national security supplemental for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan — minus the now collapsed bipartisan immigration reforms — by a 67-32 vote to invoke cloture, setting up a later vote on passage. According to Politico, Senators are currently negotiating the terms of an amendment agreement. 17 Republicans joined nearly all Democrats in advancing the legislation. Murray Stmt Collins’ Stmt

Wednesday, 2/7: Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked the Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan-Border Security package (attached to the House vehicle HR 815) that had been negotiated on a bipartisan basis and released just 3 days ago. Cloture to advance the legislation failed 49-50, well short of the required 60 votes. All Republicans voted against proceeding with the package, with the exception of Senate Appropriations Ranking Repubican Susan Collins, GOP negotiator James Lankford, and moderates Lisa Murkowski, and Mitt Romney. With opposition to the immigration/border security package, efforts will likely proceed to move a supplemental limited to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and humanitarian asssistance for Gaza–although GOP resistance to Ukraine aid remains a stumbling block. (Later in the evening, the Senate passed 58-41 a motion to reconsider the legislation, setting up a vote Thursday on a revised package minus the immigration provisions.) Murray Stmt

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office its Budget and Economic Outlook for 2024 to 2034. “In CBO’s projections, federal budget deficits total $20 trillion over the 2025–2034 period and federal debt held by the public reaches 116 percent of GDP. Economic growth slows to 1.5 percent in 2024 and then continues at a moderate pace.”

Tuesday, 2/6: The House failed 250-180 to pass HR 7217, a standalone Israel aid bill, falling short of the 2/3 required for passage under suspension of the rules. With this failure, and the Senate’s bipartisan Ukraine-Israel-Border package in trouble in the Senate, the President’s request for emergency aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and Gaza remains gridlocked. Today the President said, ““All indications are this bill won’t even move forward to the Senate floor. Why? A simple reason: Donald Trump. Because Donald Trump thinks it’s bad for him politically.” Background from Politico: Senate Repubican Leader McConnell admits Defeat on Border Bill: “It Will Not Become Law.” Wall Street Journal and Washington Post endorsements of border security package.

Monday, 2/5: The Senate will vote on cloture Wednesday, which requires 60 votes, in order to advance the Ukraine-Israel-Border security bill. As of today, Politico counts 22 likely or outright no votes. Sen. Chris Murphy, who negotiated the bipartisan border and immigration compromise for Democrats, told the PBS Newshour he hopes that if passage can be achieved in the Senate, Speaker Johnson will feel pressure to back off from his opposition to the compromise. However, the Washington Post reported Monday evening that a growing number of Senate Republicans will oppose cloture, due to outright opposition or believing it is too soon to advance the complex legislation.

Sunday, 2/4: Senate Appropriations Chair Murray released the text of the 370-page bipartisan Ukraine-Israel-Border supplemental. Text Summary Murray Stmt Collins Stmt White House Stmt The $118 billion package includes:

$60 billion to support Ukraine
$14 billion in security assistance for Israel.
$2.5 billion to support operations in the U.S. Central Command and address combat expenditures related to conflict in the Red Sea.
$10 billion in humanitarian assistance to provide food, water, shelter, medical care, and other essential services to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine, and other conflict zones.
$4.8 billion to support key partners in the Indo-Pacific and deter China.
$2.3 billion to continue support for displace Ukrainians and other refugees fleeing persecution.
The bipartisan border policy changes negotiated by Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and James Lankford (R-OK). See Division C – The Border Act of 2024
$20 billion to address existing operational needs and expand capabilities at our nation’s borders, resource the new border policies included in the package, and help stop the flow of fentanyl and other narcotics.
The Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act.
$400 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help nonprofits and places of worship make security enhancements.

Saturday, 2/3: Roll Call reports that House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to bring a stand-alone $17.6 billion supplemental funding package for Israel and U.S. troops in the Middle East to the House Floor next week. On a parallel track, the Senate will vote next week on a combined Ukraine-Israel-border security package. This follows former President Trump urging the House GOP to oppose the Senate’s bipartisan border deal and opposition among many in the House GOP to further Ukraine aid.

Thursday, 2/1: Senate Majority Leader Schumer said the Senate will vote next week–no later than Wednesday–on the Ukraine-Israel supplemental package including the bipartisan border security and immigration measures negotiated in the Senate, reports Politico. Appropriations.com will post the text as soon as it becomes available.

Tuesday, 1/30: CNN reports that “Speaker Mike Johnson privately told House Republicans the Senate’s bipartisan immigration deal has ‘no way forward,’ according to lawmakers who attended a closed-door meeting Tuesday.” With border security apparently off the table, the next opportunity for the Ukraine-Israel supplemental package may be attaching portions of it to one of the FY 2024 appropriation bills currently being negotiated by House and Senate appropriators.

Sunday, 1/28: Senate Democratic negotiator Chris Murphy told CNN, “We do have a bipartisan (border) deal. We’re finishing the text right now….This bill could be…on the floor of the United States Senate next week. But it won’t be if Republicans decide they want to keep this issue unsettled for political purposes,” referring to former President Trump’s urging the GOP to oppose the bipartisan Senate deal. President Biden said he would support the bipartisan Senate deal. See also an interview with Senate GOP negotiator Lankford defending the bipartisan deal.

Saturday, 1/27: Politico reports that Senate and House Appropriation Committee Chairs Patty Murray and Kay Granger reached a deal late Friday night on 302(b) subcommittee allocations, which divide total discretionary appropriations among the 12 FY 2024 appropriation bills. This clears the way for House-Senate negotiation of the 12 appropriation bills which have to be completed by March 1 and March 8 to avoid a government shutdown. See Trillions for an explanation of the subcommittee allocation process.

Friday, 1/26: House Speaker Johnson warned in a letter that “if rumors about the contents of the draft (bipartisan Senate border) proposal are true, it would have been dead on arrival in the House….” The letter goes on to demand enactment of the House immigration bill (H.R. 2) and dismisses any willingness to compromise or negotiate–placing the outlook for the Ukraine-Israel supplemental in jeopardy.

Thursday, 1/25: Despite opposition from his right flank, Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell reiterated his commitment to a border-Ukriane deal, reports Politico. Yet, the article points out that “many of McConnell’s own members are Ukraine funding critics, and (Speaker) Johnson counts many more skeptics in the House GOP.” In addition, the article points out that former President Trump is urging Republicans to oppose any deal to strengthen border security because it might help Biden’s reelection campaign.

Wednesday, 1/24: The Hill reported that hard right Senators “are ratcheting up their opposition to an emerging bipartisan deal that would fund Ukraine and address border security.” Senators Cruz, Scott, Lee, Johnson, Schmitt, Marshall, and Braun acknowledged at a press conference they haven’t seen all the details yet, but expressed strong opposition to the emerging deal.

Monday, 1/22: Politico reports that Sen. Chris Murphy, Democratic negotiator in the immigration component of the Ukraine-Israel supplemental bill, said “Our work is largly done. The conversation has really moved over to Appropriations.” Murphy added that both caucuses have been briefed “on the outlines of what we have agreed upon.” However, according to CNN, Senate Majority Leader Schumer said “there are a handful of issues that have not yet been agreed to.”

Friday, 1/19: President signed the continuing resolution (details below).

Thursday, 1/18 – SHUTDOWN AVERTED: Senate passed 77-18 the continuing resolution (HR 2872, amended) extending funding for agencies under the Agriculture, Energy-Water, MilCon-VA, and T-HUD bills to March 1, and agencies funded under the other 8 appropriation bills to March 8. Text | Summary | CBO Estimate. House passed the CR (under suspension of the rules) 314-108, clearing the measure for the President’s signature.

Wednesday, 1/17: President Biden met with bipartisan congressional leadership to discuss the stalled Ukraine-Israel supplemental bill which is being held up by GOP demands for including major reforms in border and immigration policies. Meanwhile, Senate negotiations in search of a border-immigration deal continue. According to Roll Call, the most difficult outstanding issue in the talks is the President’s power to grant humanitarian parole at the border.

Tuesday, 1/16: Senate voted 68-13 to invoke cloture on the continuing resolution to extend funding in two tranches to March 1 and March 8 (brought to the Floor as a Senate amendment to HR 2872).

Sunday, 1/14: Senate Appropriations Chair Murray released the text of the continuing resolution extending funding for agencies under the Agriculture, Energy-Water, MilCon-VA, and T-HUD bills to March 1, and agencies funded under the other 8 appropriation bills to March 8. Text | Summary | CBO Estimate. Division B of the bill would extend various provisions and authorities of the Department of Health and Human Services and reduce amounts available for the Medicaid Improvement Fund and the Medicare Improvement Fund. See also House Appropriations Ranking Member DeLauro’s statement supporting the draft CR.

Saturday, 1/13: In order to avoid a Friday midnight partial shutdown, the Washington Post reports that Congress will this week vote on a “laddered” continuing resolution, extending funding for agencies under the Agriculture, Energy-Water, MilCon-VA, and T-HUD bills to March 1, and agencies funded under the other eight appropriation bills to March 8.

Friday, 1/12: Despite pressume from the hard right Freedom Caucus, Speaker Johnson reaffirmed his commitment to the Jan. 7 agreement on spending totals for FY 2024. NBC News reports that moderate Democrats may support Johnson if the hard right attempts to oust him for negotiating the Jan. 7 agreement. In addition, Roll Call reports that Johnson is lending his support to efforts to reduce funding for the Department of Homeland Security in House-Senate “302(b)” negotiations that distribute available fundng among the 11 non-defense appropriation bills.

Thursday, 1/11: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced senators will vote next week on cloture to advance a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown at midnight Jan. 19 when temporary funding expires for the Agriculture, Energy-Water, MilCon-VA, and T-HUD bills. Funding under the remaining 8 appropriation bills expires Feb. 2. Also on Thursday, CBS News reported that border talks aimed at advancing the Ukraine-Israel supplemental bill have broadened to include Afghan evacuees, migrant work permits and high-skilled visas.

Wednesday, 1/10: Roll Call reports that Speaker Johnson refused to rule out another CR to keep the government operating when funds for agencies funded by the Agriculture, Energy-Water, MilCon-VA, and T-HUD bills expire on Jan. 19.

Tuesday, 1/9: Senators in both parties have signaled the likely need of a CR to avoid a shutdown given the imminent deadlines.

Sunday, 1/7: Roll Call, CNN, and the Washington Post reported that House and Senate negotiators reached an agreement on topline defense and nondefense appropriation numbers for FY 2024, clearing the way to negotiate the 12 FY 2024 appropriation bills. See Johnson memo to House Republicans; Schumer-Jeffries Democratic statement; DeLauro statement. However, this does not mean that a shutdown at midnight Jan. 19 has been avoided, since completion of the 12 bills will take longer than two weeks — necessitating another stopgap continuing resolution (CR). Nevertheless, the existence of the topline agreement should ease the way for another CR, with President Biden saying the agreement “moves us one step closer to preventing a needless government shutdown and protecting important national priorities.” As reported by The Hill, Speaker Johnson said on Face the Nation that the GOP won’t shut down the government over border spending (although the President’s request for supplemental aid for Ukraine and Israel continues to be hamstrung by partisan differences over border funding and immigration policy). According to the New York Times, the agreement does “not include an additional $14 billion sought by the Republican and Democratic appropriators in the Senate to beef up both domestic and military spending.”

Thursday, 1/4: CBO released estimates of across-the-board cuts that would be required under the Fiscal Responsibility Act spending caps if funding for FY 2024 were to be continued at the current (FY 2023) spending levels. The across-the-board cuts in nondefense discretionary spending range from $41 billion (5 percent) to $73 billion (9 percent) depending on whether full year appropriations bills are completed by April 30, 2024.

Wednesday, 1/3: Senate negotiations continue on a border funding/immigration component to the Ukraine-Israel supplemental, while the House GOP continues to press for policy changes unlikely to be acceptable to Democrats–threatening a shutdown on Jan. 20. See Politico, WPost

Monday, 1/1: Punchbowl News reported that, in talks over the FY 2024 topline appropriations numbers, House GOP leaders are seeking to accelerate IRS funding reductions and COVID rescissions.
**Calendar Year 2024**
Friday, 12/22: OMB issued guidance on FY 2024 discretionary spending, explaining that while discretionary spending caps technically change on Jan. 1, 2024 (to levels 1 percent below FY 2023 levels), “under the FRA (Fiscal Responsibility Act), spending limits would not be enforced until after full-year appropriations are enacted, or April 30, whichever comes first.” If all 12 bills are completed prior to April 30, the spending caps return to FRA enacted levels.

Wed, 12/20: Senate will recess for the holidays, with talks continuing over the recess on a border/immigration package to include in the Ukraine-Israel-Gaza supplemental bill. In January, in addition to facing the urgency of completing the Ukraine-Israel-Gaza-border supplemental, agencies funded by the Ag, Energy-Water, MilCon-VA, and T-HUD bills face a shutdown at midnight on Friday, January 19. (Agencies funded by the other 8 approps bills face a shutdown on Friday, Feb. 2. Background

Fri, 12/15: The Senate will remain in session next week as negotiations continue on a potential bipartisan border security deal to include in a Ukraine-Israel supplemental bill. However, the House has adjourned for the holidays. Background
The Congressional Budget Office is forecasting the U.S. avoiding recession in 2024.

Thurs, 12/14: House passed National Defense Authorization Act, HR 2670, 310-118 clearing the bill for the President. (Senate passed the confererence report Wed. night 87-13; background. (Note: this is the authorization bill for the defense department; the defense appropriation bill, which funds the DoD, remains unfinished due to stalled negotiations over total FY 2024 spending levels.)

Wed, 12/13: Washington Post reported late Wed. afternoon that “seemingly moribund talks on toughening U.S. border policy in exchange for providing aid to Ukraine were revived…after the White House proposed allowing U.S. officials to summarily expel migrants at the border under some circumstances….Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), the second-ranking Senate Republican, said he was ‘encouraged’ that the White House had put forward what he called a significant offer but said it is ‘unlikely’ that senators would stay in session over the holidays to get to a deal.”

Tues, 12/12: Approps Chair Murray statement following all-Senators meeting with Ukraine President Zelenskyy. Ranking Member DeLauro statement. As reported by Politico, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said it is “practically impossible” to make a deal on Ukraine aid this year, due to the absence of an agreement on immigration policy changes to include in the package. On the House side, Speaker Johnson complained that “the White House…has not moved in our direction on that issue.”

Mon, 12/11: As reported by The Hill, the impasse over FY 2024 appropriation bills is increasingly focused on whether to honor “side deals” between OMB and then-Speaker McCarthy over discretionary funds to be available outside the Fiscal Responsibility Act spending caps.

Fri, 12/08: The hardline House “Freedom Caucus” issued a statement opposing any Ukraine aid unless offset by cuts elsewhere in the budget — an unprecedented demand for emergency wartime aid for a U.S. ally. The group is also demanding significant changes to U.S. immigration and border policy, as a prerequisite to Ukraine aid.

Thurs, 12/07: Negotiations are continuing in the Senate over border security and immigration policy as Senators attempt to break the logjam over the Ukraine-Israel security package. Negotiations are being led by Democrat Chris Murphy (CT) and Republican James Lankford (OK).

Wed, 12/06: The Senate today, on a test vote, rejected a $111 billion funding package for Ukraine, Israel and border security (CBO cost estimate); a cloture motion (requiring 60 votes) failed 49-51. All 49 Republicans plus independent Sen. Bernie Sanders voted against the motion. Republicans are demanding that any supplemental spending package include strict new border restrictions. Majority Leader Schumer had offered to let Republicans offer immigration policy changes as an amendment, but Republicans are insisting on including policy changes in the supplemental package prior to a final vote. As reported by the New York Times, “while the bill faltered over an unrelated immigration policy dispute, the resistance it has met in Congress reflects a dwindling appetite among Republicans for backing Ukraine, as polls show that Americans are losing interest in providing financial assistance.”
NDAA filed: House and Senate Defense Authorization conferees released their conference report which is available here. While the defense authorization bill for FY 2024 is advancing, the defense appropriations bill remains logjammed pending House and Senate agreement on topline funding numbers for all 12 appropriation bills.
Regarding negotiations on the 12 annual appropriation bills, Senate Appropriations Chair Murray warned of “devastating implications” from Speaker Johnson’s “backup” spending plan to pass a full-year continuing resolution. Murray statement

Tues, 12/05: Senate Democrats unveiled a $111 billion funding package for Ukraine, Israel, and border security. Regarding tomorrow’s test vote in the Senate, Minority Leader McConnell urged his colleagues to “vote no.” As reported by the AP, House Speaker Johnson told fellow Republicans that sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy would be their “hill to die on” in negotiations over the President’s supplemental request. Johnson reponse letter to 12/4 letter from Budget Director Shalanda Young.

Mon, 12/04: Developments on Security Supplemental — White House Budget Director Shalanda Young sent a letter to congressional leaders today warning that “by the end of the year we will run out of resources to procure more weapons and equipment for Ukraine and to provide equipment from U.S. military stocks….Cutting off the flow of U.S. weapons and equipment will kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield, not only putting at risk the gains Ukraine has made, but increasing the likelihood of Russian military victories.” In a response on social media, House Speaker Johnson said, “The Biden Administration has failed to substantively address any of my conference’s legitimate concerns about the lack of a clear strategy in Ukraine, a path to resolving the conflict, or a plan for adequately ensuring accountability for aid provided….Meanwhile, the Administration is continually ignoring the catastrophe at our own border. House Republicans have resolved that any national security supplemental package must begin with our own border.”
Senate Majority Leader Schumer has scheduled a test vote for Wed, 12/6, on the Administration’s $106 billion in supplemental appropriations, including security aid for Israel, Ukraine, and allies in the Indo-Pacific; civilians in Gaza; and U.S. border security. According to Politico, Schumer lacks 60 votes to invoke cloture and advance the measure due to Republican insistence that the bill include an agreement on border and immigration provisions.

Wed, 11/29: Senate Appropriations Chair Murray urged action on the President’s request for supplemental child care funding. Murray Statement Senate Appropriations Ranking Member Collins argued against a full-year continung resolution (CR) for FY 2024 and called for action on Defense Appropriations. Collins Statement

Tues, 11/28: Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell told reporters on Tuesday regarding the President’s supplemental request, “I called the President last week to make sure he understood that there wouldn’t be a bill without a credible effort to get on top of our disastrous southern border situation.”

Mon, 11/27: Democrats pushing $1 billion emergency supplemental for WIC, Polticio reports.

Sun, 11/26: Schumer Dear Colleague letter states intention “to bring the President’s national security supplemental package to the floor as soon as the week of December 4th.” The supplemental request includes security aid for Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific, and humanitarian aid for Gaza. Schumer rejected demands to include the HR 2 immigration bill in the package, while leaving the door open for bipartisan immigration provisions.

Thurs, 11/16: SHUTDOWN AVERTED: President Biden signed HR 6363, the laddered CR extending funding through Jan. 19, 2024 for Ag, Energy-Water, MilCon-VA, T-HUD; and through Feb. 2, 2024 for programs funded by the other eight appropriations bills.

Thurs, 11/9: FSGG pulled from the Floor, lacking votes for passage.

Wed, 11/8: House began consideration of HR 4664, FSGG | Text | Summ | Rpt | R-Stmt | D-Stmt

Tues, 11/7: Hse pulled HR 4820, T-HUD due to internal GOP opposition.

Mon, 11/6: House began consideration of HR 4820, T-HUD | Text | Rpt | Earmarks| R-Stmt | D-Stmt

Fri, 11/3: House passed H.R. 4821, Interior-Environment 213-203 | Text | Rpt | Earmarks | R-Stmt | D-Stmt | WH veto threat.

Thurs, 11/2: House began consideration of H.R. 4821, Interior-Environment Appropriations.
At a press conference today, Speaker Johnson said House consideration of aid for Ukraine–tied to additional security at the southern border–would follow action on the Israel aid bill.
Johnson also suggested he may try to move a “laddered” continuing resolution that would extend funding for different parts of the government for different periods of time–apparently generating rolling shutdown threats. House Dem reaction.

Wed, 11/1: Senate passed 82-15, H.R. 4366, an appropriations minibus including FY 2024 funding for MilCon/VA, Agriculture, and T-HUD):
MilCon/VA: Summ | Text | Rpt | Earmarks | D-Stmt | R-Stmt; Ag: Summ | Text | Rpt | Earmarks | D-Stmt | R-Stmt; T-HUD: Summ | Text | Rpt | Earmarks | D-Stmt | R-Stmt. Approps Chair Patty Murray statement on next steps for appropriations.
House passed H.R 4364, the Legislative Branch bill, 214-197 | Summ | Text | Rpt | R-Stmt | D-Stmt.
Link to CBO report showing IRS funding cut in House GOP Israel aid bill would increase deficits by $12.5 billion.

Tues, 10/31: Senate resumed consideration of Murray-Collins substitute amendment H.R.4366, Approps Minibus (MilCon/VA, Agriculture, T-HUD).

Mon, 10/30: White House issued veto threats for the House Interior-Environment and T-HUD appropriation bills, due to the bills’ proposed cuts below last year’s appropriations levels and below the FRA (debt limit agreement) spending caps. In addition, a fight is looming over the Administration’s request for security aid for Israel and Ukraine. House Republicans on Monday proposed to de-couple Ukraine aid from Israel aid and, futher, proposed to offset the Israel aid with cuts in IRS funding (which increases the deficit). Link to House bill. Link to CBO report showing IRS funding cut would increase deficits by $12.5 billion.

Sun, 10/29: Speaker Mike Johnson said on Fox News “we’ll look at another stopgap measure….I think everyone will be on board with that…..” The current continuing resolution (HR 5860) expires November 17, 2023.

Thurs, 10/26: The Senate resumed consideration of 3-bill minibus: MilCon-VA, Ag-Rural-FDA, and T-HUD, rejecting a Braun amendment 35-62 that would have stripped out $3.8 billion in earmarks (less than one-half of one percent of the funding). The Senate has adjourned for the weekend, with Majority Leader Schumer saying he hopes the Senate will complete action on the package next week. House passed Energy-Water bill, HR 4394, 210-199 | Text | Summ | Rpt | Earmarks | R-Stmt | D-Stmt.

Wed, 10/25: House Appropriations Chair Granger statement on election of Speaker Mike Johnson. House began consideration of Energy-Water bill. The Senate resumed consideration of 3-bill minibus: MilCon-VA, Ag-Rural-FDA, and T-HUD, rejecting a Lankford amendment that would have established an automatic continuing resolution; the amendment fell 4 votes short of passage. White House releases Fact Sheet on Domestic Supplemental Request including funding for child care, broadband, and disaster relief. Senate Approps Chair Murray statement on President Biden’s domestic supplemental request.

Tues, 10/24: Senate Approps Chair Murray announces agreement to move forward on 3-bill minibus: MilCon-VA, Ag-Rural-FDA, and T-HUD. GAO releases report on earmarks.

Mon, 10/23: Speaker candidate Mike Johnson sends Dear Colleague proposing “that we seek consensus to discharge the last two appropriations bills-Labor, HHS, and Education and Commerce, Justice, and Science-from the Appropriations Committee. We should also create a new working group to address Member concerns with the Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration appropriations bill. As all of this is being completed, if another stopgap measure is needed to extend government funding beyond the November 17 deadline, I would propose a measure that expires on January 15 or April 15 (based on what can obtain Conference consensus), to ensure the Senate cannot jam the House with a Christmas omnibus. Meanwhile, I would suggest the following calendar adjustments for considering appropriations on the House Floor: (emphasis added)
– Week of October 23: Energy and Water;
– Week of October 30: Legislative Branch, Interior and Environment, T-HUD;
– Week of November 6: FSGG, CJS;
– Week of November 13: Labor-HHS, Ag.”

Fri, 10/20: White House releases $105 billion supplemental funding request for Israel, Ukraine, domestic defense manufacturing, humanitarian assistance, and managing migrants at the U.S. Mexico border. House Appropriations Ranking Member DeLauro statement on President Biden’s Security Supplemental Request.

President’s $106 billion Emergency Supplemental funding request:

$60.8 billion in security and other assistance for Ukraine;
$13.9 billion in security assistance for Israel;
$13.6 billion for U.S. border security;
$9.6 billion in humanitarian assistance including Gaza; and
$2 billion for security assistance to allies in the Indo-Pacific (including Taiwan).
Complete details of the President’s October 20, 2023 request.

Tues, 10/17: With the House hamstrung by the absence of a Speaker, Politico reports that Senate leaders are considering a supplemental appropriations package including aid for Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, and southern border security.

Sun, 10/08: House Rules Committee Chair Tom Cole said, as a result of Speaker McCarthy’s ouster, Republicans are free to step back from the deep appropriations cuts he agreed to in a deal last June with hardliners, reports Politico. “This agreement was faulty from the beginning. It’s changed over time, and now in a sense, it doesn’t exist at all because McCarthy isn’t the speaker anymore,” Cole said in an interview. “So we’re not really bound by this agreement now. That will be an interesting thing the new speaker will have to hash out.”

Sat, 9/30: SHUTDOWN AVERTED – The House passed under suspension of the rules (2/3 required) a continuing resolution (CR) (HR 5860) for 45 days (through November 17) including disaster assistance but no Ukraine aid. R-Stmt | D-Stmt | The Senate subsequently passed the CR 88-9. | D-Stmt | R-Stmt. Senate Democrats will seek a separate bill to provide Ukraine funding. The President signed the CR late Saturday.

Fri, 9/29: House defeated 198-232 a continuing resolution (HR 5525) including deep domestic spending cuts and border provisions; 21 hardline Republicans and all Democrats opposed the resolution. D-Stmt This leaves the House with no plan to avoid a government shutdown, since the Speaker has said he will not bring the Senate’s bipartisan continuing resolution to the House Floor for a vote.

Thurs, 9/28: Senate voted 76-22 to proceed to consideration of HR 3935, the legislative vehicle for the bipartisan continuing resolution (however, Speaker McCarthy is not expected to allow the House to vote on the Senate’s bipartisan CR). House defeated the Agriculture Appropriations bill (HR 4368) 191-237. House passed the Homeland Security Appropriations bill (HR 4367) 220-208. House passed the Defense Appropriations bill (HR 4365) 218-210. House passed the State-Foreign Ops Appropriations bill (HR 4665) 216-212.

Wed, 9/27: According to Politico, some Senate Republicans are calling for modifications to the draft Senate bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) to make it more palatable to House conservatives; House Republicans oppose the Senate deal because it lacks border enforcement language and includes more funding for Ukraine. According to The Hill, McCarthy told House Republicans Wednesday morning he will not bring the Senate’s bipartisan CR to the House Floor for a vote. Moreover, due to hardline opposition, it appears McCarthy does not have the votes to pass a CR in any form. Under the Rule adopted Tuesday, the House began sequential consideration of HR 4365 (Defense Approps), HR 4367 (Homeland Security Approps), HR 4368 (Agriculture Approps), and HR 4665 (State-Foreign Ops Approps).

Tues, 9/26: Senate Democrats and Republicans reached preliminary agreement on a stopgap continuing resolution through Nov. 17 to head off an October 1 federal government shutdown and provide supplemental funds for Ukraine and disaster relief. [CBO estimate] Tuesday evening, the Senate invoked cloture 77-19 on a motion to proceed to H.R. 3935, a legislative vehicle for the bipartisan CR. Meanwhile, Tuesday evening, McCarthy pushed through the House 216-212 a Rule to bring the Defense, Homeland Security, Agriculture, and State-Foreign Ops bills to the Floor (with spending for domestic programs below the levels agreed to in the Fiscal Responsibility Act last May). However, advancing the four bills through the House does nothing to forestall a government shutdown at midnight Saturday, since the full-year bills need to go through Senate consideration and amendment, and House-Senate-Administration negotiations.

Thurs, 9/21: House again defeated 216-212 the Rule to open debate on Defense Appropriations.

Wed, 9/20: House Republicans continued to negotiate adjustments to a proposed Republican-only continuing resolution released Sunday night; the revised CR would be paired with an agreement to move forward with the Defense Appropriations bill.
At the same time, Politico reports that small groups of centrist Democrats are holding talks with McCarthy allies to see if a deal can be struck on a continuing resolution to avoid an October 1 government shutdown.
Also, the House Budget Committee marked up an FY 24 Budget Resolution; however this is of little consequence since the Senate Budget Committee has failed to report a concurrent budget resolution.

Tues, 9/19: House defeated 214-212 the Rule to open debate on Defense Appropriations; and Speaker McCarthy was unable to win cooperation from hardliners to move forward with HR 5525, the continuing resolution.
However, in the Senate, Ron Johnson (R-WI) said he would lift his hold on a 3-bill appropriations minibus in exchange for a vote on legislation providing for an automatic continuing resolution; and Appropriations Chair Murray said Senate appropriators are working on a bipartisan CR.

Mon, 9/18: House Rules Comm. considered a special rule for consideration of H.R. 5525, the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024.

Sun, 9/17: Coalition of mainstream and right wing House Republicans propose 31-day continuing resolution including a major 8% cut in domestic agencies, increased Pentagon spending flexibility, a flood insurance extension, and controversial immigration/border measures, but excluding Ukraine funding and disaster relief.

Thurs, 9/14: Senate passed 91-7 a motion to proceed to consideration of MilCon-VA as a vehicle for a 3-bill minibus consisting of MilCon-VA, AG-FDA, & THUD [Senate vote]; however, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) blocked a unanimous consent request to package the 3-bill minibus and begin debate with a bipartisan agreement on amendments.
Also today, Speaker McCarthy dared GOP hardliners to file a challenge to his speakership.

Wed, 9/13: House GOP forced by hardliners to postpone vote to begin debate on Defense Approps.

Mon, 8/21: Roll Call: “House GOP hard-liners lay out stopgap funding demands.”

Thurs, 7/27: Senators Murray and Collins Issue Statement After Passing All 12 Appropriations Bills Out of Committee for First Time in Five Years

Thurs, 7/27: House Ag-Rural-FDA bill pulled from Floor schedule amid impasse|R-Stmt|D-Stmt
House approved MilCon-VA 219-211|SAP|Text|Rpt|Summ|Earmarks|R-Stmt|D-Stmt

Mon, 7/24: A Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) states the President’s intention to veto the House reported MilCon-VA bill and other House-reported appropriations bills that “cut domestic spending to levels well below the [Fiscal Responsibility Act] agreement and endanger current services for the American people.”

Jun 3: President Biden signed HR 3746 (Fiscal Responsibility Act) that caps discretionary spending in FYs 2024 and 2025 and includes budget levels in Titles II and III deemed to be the FY 2024 budget resolution for purposes of points of order. White House Talking Points on FRA

May 18: CBO analysis of discretionary proposals in the President’s FY2024 budget.