Congress is not in session until after the November election, but when lawmakers return, they will be coming back to a long to-do list.
The first and most important item on the list is government funding. Funding is currently authorized through a continuing resolution (CR) that lasts until December 20, and appropriators are actively negotiating a fiscal year (FY) 2025 spending package. The results of the election may determine if another CR into 2025 is needed or if the process can be wrapped up before the 119th Congress is sworn in. Many in both parties, including House Appropriation Chair Tom Cole (R-OK), would prefer that final appropriations bills are wrapped up in December.
Other pieces of legislation that are considered “must pass” are the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the Farm Bill. The House passed their NDAA in June while the Senate has yet to bring a bill to the floor. Similar to the appropriations process, the leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services committees are negotiating a final package that will hopefully receive a vote in December. Not as much progress has been made on the Farm Bill, and some pieces of that bill have technically already expired. Lawmakers in both chambers have expressed concern over the lack of progress, and it is becoming more likely that Congress will need to pass an extension, similar to the extension that was passed in December 2023. Both the Farm Bill or extension and the NDAA could be targets for other, unrelated policies or programs to be attached as they move through Congress.
In the Senate, the main focus for the chamber will be confirming appointments to the federal judiciary before a new presidential Administration succeeds the Biden Administration. That will not leave much time to take up legislation that is not considered “must pass.” Legislation that could fall victim to the tight schedule includes a reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Chair Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-LA) have been engaging with their House counterparts, Chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) on negotiations around this bill. Even if these four leaders come to an agreement, there may not be enough floor time available in the Senate to pass a final package.
As the lame duck session begins next month, ACTE will be sure to you in the loop as new developments
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