Today In Washington
January 18, 2018
Source: AEO Government Relations Team, Madison Services Group
Appropriations Watch: Crunch Time
Today’s House vote on a continuing appropriations resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through February 16 is expected to be extremely close. The measure — which includes a six-year extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), delays several Obamacare tax provisions, and authorizes the SBA to shift funding to administer increased 7(a) loan demand — is opposed by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and most House Democrats due to the lack of a deal on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). The House Freedom Caucus is urging more defense spending and the opportunity to vote on a conservative immigration bill before lending their support. President Trump injected uncertainty this morning by coming out in opposition to the CHIP provision via Twitter. If the bill passes the House, hurdles remain in the Senate. Yesterday, Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC) came out in opposition to the CR, and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) has not been in Washington this week due to health issues. That means at least 10 Democrats — most of whom are in opposition — would be required to pass the CR, with Vice President Mike Pence casting the deciding 60th vote.
Technical note: The CR is being offered as a House amendment to the Senate amendment of H.R. 195, the “Federal Register Printing Savings Act of 2017,” which places limits on free copies of the Federal Register provided to Congress and government agencies. After House passage, the Senate added an amendment to reauthorize Justice Department (DOJ) grants to locate people with Alzheimer’s, and children with developmental disabilities who had gone missing. In this scenario, the House CR would replace the Senate amendment.
Hearings
Thursday at 10 a.m.: House Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy & Trade’s “Engaging Energy: Small Business Resources at the Department of Energy,” taking place at 2360 Rayburn House Office Building.