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

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

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

Having extended its post-election lame duck session by nearly two weeks, the 116^th 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 117^th 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

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

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