Congress is taking another shot at federal spending this week, after plans to advance spending bills in each chamber fell apart last week.
House: Different factions within the House Republican conference came together to release a one-month stopgap spending bill that would slash spending for most federal agencies and revive GOP-priority border initiatives. Leadership is aiming for a vote later this week on the measure.
Gut check: But opposition came fast and furious Sunday night after the package was pitched to rank-and-file Republicans in a conference call. More than a half dozen GOP lawmakers are already saying they’re a no vote on the bill aimed at averting a government shutdown. Even if it did clear the House, it’s a nonstarter in the Senate.
Strategy check: This package doesn’t change the calculus on the likelihood of a shutdown, but Speaker Kevin McCarthy needs the House to move on their own proposal. Otherwise, the House could be jammed by a Senate stopgap proposal or get hurt a the shutdown blame game.
Senate: The Senate hopes to resume consideration of the three-bill spending package to fund the departments of Agriculture and Transportation alongside the bill that would set spending for military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Amendment consideration was held up last week by opposition from Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), leaving the first batch of amendments in limbo.
What else we’re watching this week:
- The House Republican Steering Committee is expected to vote Monday to fill the vacant seat on the House Appropriations Committee, left by Rep. Chris Stewart’s (R-Utah) retirement from the chamber.
- The House Administration Committee holds a hearing Tuesday with former Capitol Police chief Steven Sund about security on Jan. 6, 2021.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the Capitol this week, and there is an all-senator meeting scheduled for Thursday.
