News & Updates

Federal Update: Averting Shutdown, Congress Continues to Grapple with Critical Funding Issues and the President’s Build Back Better Agenda

September 30, 2021

Even as Congress passed legislation to avoid a government shutdown today, the White House and Democratic Leadership are continuing efforts to carve a path forward, negotiating entrenched intraparty disagreements, to move the bipartisan infrastructure and reciliation packages that make up the bulk of President Biden’s domestic agenda. This effort is made more difficult by their thin majorities in the House and the Senate and unanimous opposition of Republicans to many of the Democrats’ legislative priorities. That said,...

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Federal Update: Congress Caps Long Summer with Progress on Infrastructure, FY22

August 11, 2021

This morning, the Senate capped off an unusually long summer session with passage (50-49) of a $3.5 trillion FY22 budget resolution, on the heels of this week’s earlier vote (69-30) on the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package, two of President Biden’s top domestic priorities. While both measures must still be considered by the House, their passage in the Senate sets up a packed congressional agenda for the fall, including a FY22 reconciliation bill (made possible by enactment of the budget resolution) to include tax, entitlement, and other mandatory spending, the FY22 funding bills, the annual Defense authorization, and legislation to address the federal debt-limit. With slim Democratic majorities in the House and Senate and significant ideological divides within the party, navigating a successful path forward will prove a difficult test for Congress and the White House.... Read more about Federal Update: Congress Caps Long Summer with Progress on Infrastructure, FY22

Federal Update: President Biden Releases Detailed FY22 Budget Request

June 4, 2021

In the first budget request of his presidency, President Joe Biden is proposing historic increases in non-defense discretionary funding. April’s preview of the discretionary spending proposal provided topline information – $1.52 trillion total, with $769 billion for non-defense (+16 percent) and $753 billion for defense (+1.7 percent) – but few details. The full budget request provides details on the Biden Administration’s priorities for education, health, climate, and social programs as part of the annual spending process, which would be complemented by the President’s ambitious American Jobs and Families Plans.... Read more about Federal Update: President Biden Releases Detailed FY22 Budget Request

President Biden Releases Infrastructure Plan and Previews FY22

April 9, 2021

In March, Congress enacted President Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, building on earlier emergency COVID funding provided in the CARES Act and 2020 year-end spending package. As those relief funds are being disbursed, the Administration has pivoted to an ambitious infrastructure plan and Fiscal Year 2022 federal funding.... Read more about President Biden Releases Infrastructure Plan and Previews FY22

The 116th Congress Plans to Adjourn: Lawmakers Agree to Full-Year FY21 Funding, Targeted COVID-19 Relief

December 21, 2020

Having extended its post-election lame duck session by nearly two weeks, the 116th Congress finally reached agreement on full-year FY21 funding and its fourth large-scale package of emergency COVID-19 relief before recessing for the holidays and giving way to the 117th Congress in the new year.... Read more about The 116th Congress Plans to Adjourn: Lawmakers Agree to Full-Year FY21 Funding, Targeted COVID-19 Relief

Facing a Lengthy To-Do List, Congress Begins Stretch Run to August Recess

July 24, 2020

Ahead of its traditional monthlong break beginning August 7, Congress is working to move forward and, in some cases, complete action on critical funding measures. The House has made substantial progress on FY21 legislation with a goal of completing action on all 12 appropriations bills within the next week. Less clear at this point but considered a must-do across the government is the next COVID-19 relief package. Finally, the annual FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) – setting defense policy for the next year – is well underway, although final approval is not expected until September.... Read more about Facing a Lengthy To-Do List, Congress Begins Stretch Run to August Recess

CARES Act Supplemental Funding for Small Businesses, Hospitals and Testing Approved

April 23, 2020

After two weeks of tense negotiations, Congress completed action this afternoon on a bipartisan $484 billion package to replenish funding for the popular small business loan program, provide additional supports for hospitals and health care providers, and expand COVID-19 testing nationwide. The Senate passed the legislation unanimously on Tuesday night, the House approval was forced to wait until today as certain members insisted on a recorded vote so members needed to time to return to town. The final House vote was 388 – 5 (and one abstention), and the President is expected to sign the legislation into law as quickly as possible.... Read more about CARES Act Supplemental Funding for Small Businesses, Hospitals and Testing Approved

Bipartisan Agreement on $2 Trillion COVID-19 Stimulus Package

March 25, 2020

Congress and the Administration have agreed to a nearly $2 trillion package of urgent assistance, economic stimulus and supplemental appropriations to address the ongoing national public health emergency. This third legislative package responding to COVID 19 builds on earlier efforts (for information on the first and second please see our update here) and includes a wide range of economic supports, from expanded unemployment insurance to small-business loans, direct payments to individuals, corporate financial support, tax relief, flexibilities for student aid, and funding for research and development related to COVID-19. The Senate is expected to pass the measure quickly, although last minute drafting is continuing, and the House is exploring options for passing swiftly with the expectation that the bill will reach the President before the end of the week.... Read more about Bipartisan Agreement on $2 Trillion COVID-19 Stimulus Package

Federal Government’s Emerging COVID-19 Response

March 18, 2020

In the last two weeks, the federal government has been working to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and domestic public health and economic crisis, with efforts intensifying after the President declared a national emergency late last week. Ten days ago, a first bill was approved and signed to inject $8.3 billion into CDC, NIH, and the nation’s public health infrastructure. A second major emergency-funding package totaling nearly $100 billion was approved by House last week to support the public’s health and caregiving needs. This measure is pending in the Senate, while work on a third package to address the larger economic fallout of the pandemic is already underway with a likely cost between  $750 billion and $1 trillion in direct funding and tax supports.... Read more about Federal Government’s Emerging COVID-19 Response

Federal Update | Good Start on Congressional Appropriations Although Long Road Ahead

May 10, 2019

The House Appropriations Committee began the annual appropriations process in earnest this week, advancing the first of 12 funding bills for Fiscal Year 2020. In marked contrast to the President’s FY20 budget proposal, it was an encouraging start for University priorities, as appropriators approved substantial increases across student aid programs at the Department of Education and a $2 billion boost for the National Institutes of Health.

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