CQ Budget

Critical test for immigration funding

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:15:00 -0000

House Republicans will try to adopt a budget resolution that emerged from the Senate in a first step toward funding immigration agencies. CQ Roll Call's Paul M. Krawzak, Aidan Quigley and David Lerman discuss the challenge for House leaders and the road ahead for the budget reconciliation process.

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Reconciliation picks up, again

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:13:00 -0000

President Donald Trump has backed Senate Republicans' plan for two more reconciliation bills, the first of which would focus solely on immigration enforcement funding. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley and Aris Folley describe the prospects of the bill and the next steps for the fiscal 2027 spending process.

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New budget, same problems

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:27:00 -0000

President Donald Trump's fiscal 2027 spending request sets the stage for another partisan clash over guns versus butter, while calling for at least one more reconciliation bill that would test Republican unity. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley Paul M. Krawzak and David Lerman assess the prospects for Trump's budget, the challenge of more reconciliation measures, and the status of the homeland security funding standoff.

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GOP leadership schism

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:27:00 -0000

The House and Senate standoff over homeland security funding exposed a stunning disconnect between the top two Republican leaders. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley and David Lerman discuss the clash over funding strategies between the two chambers, the prospects for reaching a deal and whether a two-week recess will have to be cut short.

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Fiscal 2027 budget outlook

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:28:00 -0000

President Donald Trump is preparing to send Congress a fiscal 2027 budget request, even as lawmakers try to find a deal on this year's Homeland Security funding and consider a potential supplemental funding package for the Iran war. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Aris Folley and David Lerman assess all the fiscal and political pressures shaping the upcoming budget cycle.

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Uncertain path for Iran war funding

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:55:00 -0000

The Trump administration has sent mixed signals about plans for a supplemental war funding package, while providing Congress with little information about the costs of military operations against Iran. CQ Roll Call's John M. Donnelly and David Lerman assess the potential timing for a war funding bill, the options for passing it, and what else might get attached to it.

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New threat to funding

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:10:00 -0000

President Donald Trump threatened to block all legislation until Congress passes an expanded voter ID bill that Democrats oppose. CQ Roll Call's Paul M. Krawzak and David Lerman assess what the president's stance means for long-stymied Homeland Security funding and a potential emergency military spending package for the Iran war. We also discuss the status of Trump's fiscal 2027 budget request.

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War impact on funding standoff

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:23:00 -0000

The war against Iran gave Republicans a new line of attack in a push to end the partisan standoff over Homeland Security Department funding. CQ Roll Call's Aris Folley and David Lerman assess how the war might impact negotiations over an immigration enforcement overhaul compromise that could clear the way for full-year appropriations.

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Tug-of-war over tariffs

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 22:11:00 -0000

A landmark Supreme Court ruling upended federal revenue projections and sent the Trump administration scrambling for alternative tariff authorities. CQ Roll Call's Michael Macagnone, Aris Folley and David Lerman discuss the long-awaited court verdict, its fiscal impact and what it means for presidential power.

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Immigration enforcement standoff

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 20:50:00 -0000

As a partial Homeland Security Department shutdown enters its first full week, there's no sign of a bipartisan immigration deal that could unlock a full-year funding bill. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Savannah Behrmann and David Lerman assess the major sticking points to reaching a deal and the state of negotiations in the Senate.

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Homeland Security spending spat

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 20:30:00 -0000

Lawmakers are staring down a Friday deadline for Homeland Security funding, with little hope to avoid a partial shutdown. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Chris Johnson and Valerie Yurk examine the Democrats' demands for changes to immigration enforcement policies and the limited potential areas for compromise.

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Struggle for votes to end shutdown

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:28:00 -0000

House leaders face a difficult challenge to muster the votes for ending the second partial government shutdown of this fiscal year. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Aris Folley and David Lerman examine how mounting Democratic opposition and a fractious GOP conference put a $1.2 trillion spending package in jeopardy, and whether any compromise is in sight for a Homeland Security bill.

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Immigration funding impasse

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:50:00 -0000

A glide path for a final fiscal 2026 spending package suddenly evaporated after the second fatal shooting of a Minneapolis citizen in an immigration crackdown. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Jacob Fulton and David Lerman assess the chances for finding an escape route from another partial government shutdown.

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Close to the finish line

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:48:00 -0000

The House has passed all 12 spending bills for the current fiscal year and the Senate is on track to clear them by the Jan. 30 deadline to avoid another shutdown. CQ Roll Call's Jessica Wehrman, David Lerman and Aris Folley recount the drama of the House dealmaking and the state of the appropriations process.

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Homeland Security punt and reconciliation talk

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 20:28:00 -0000

House and Senate appropriators had to punt on a compromise Homeland Security bill as they race toward a Jan. 30 funding deadline. And behind the scenes, talks continue on a potential second "big, beautiful" reconciliation bill. CQ Roll Call's Aris Folley, Paul M. Krawzak and David Lerman outline the challenges ahead for both appropriations and a reconciliation sequel.

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Appropriators get busy

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:35:00 -0000

Congressional leaders have big hopes for the new year: passing all the remaining, long-delayed spending bills by a Jan. 30 funding deadline. But can they pull it off? CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Aris Folley and David Lerman assess the outlook for appropriations and what accounts for a new bipartisan cooperative spirit that could make progress possible.

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Last chance for the year

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:02:00 -0000

House Republicans face a showdown vote this week over health care affordability as enhanced insurance subsidies are set to expire at the end of the month. And Senate leaders are holding out hope for taking up a major spending package despite objections from GOP conservatives. CQ Roll Call's Sandhya Raman, Aidan Quigley and David Lerman assess the challenges on health care and appropriations in the final week of this year's legislative session.

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Defense spending uptick

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:29:00 -0000

A new compromise defense authorization bill calls for a higher level of defense spending than President Donald Trump requested for the current fiscal year. CQ Roll Call's John M. Donnelly, Aidan Quigley, and David Lerman assess the new bill and what it means for the defense appropriations process.

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Two months to go

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 22:43:00 -0000

As appropriators aim to finish the nine remaining fiscal 2026 spending bills ahead of the Jan. 30 deadline, CQ Roll Call's Aris Folley and Aidan Quigley discuss two recently released Senate spending bills and the two chambers' competing approaches.

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Appropriations back on track?

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:05:00 -0000

Now that the partial government shutdown is over, can Congress make up for lost time and get long-delayed appropriations bills moving again? CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Aris Folley and David Lerman assess the political and logistical obstacles of passing appropriations by the Jan. 30 funding deadline.

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Politics of a shutdown

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:36:00 -0000

Enough Senate Democrats finally broke ranks with their party to clear a path for ending the longest partial government shutdown in history. CQ Roll Call's Aris Folley, Aidan Quigley and David Lerman assess the political fallout of the shutdown, what it means for the Democratic Party, and the steps still required to finally reopen government.

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Shutdown pressures on the rise

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:07:00 -0000

The Senate is under growing pressure to find a way out of the partial government shutdown that is set to become the longest in history. But President Donald Trump signaled no willingness to negotiate with Democrats on health insurance concerns until the government is reopened. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Jacob Fulton and David Lerman assess the state of shutdown negotiations and whether there is a path toward a deal.

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Shutdown pain growing as November nears

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0000

The largest union of federal employees has called on Congress to pass a "clean" continuing resolution as crucial Nov. 1 deadlines for the start of health care open enrollment and food stamp funding near. CQ Roll Call's Aris Folley, Jacob Fulton and Aidan Quigley discuss the prospects of stand-alone legislation to pay federal workers and provide food aid and the chances of the shutdown reaching its conclusion in coming weeks.

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'Power of the purse' at stake

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 20:54:00 -0000

President Donald Trump's decision to divert Pentagon research and development funds to pay the troops during the partial shutdown has ignited a fierce debate among budget and legal analysts over whether the move is legal. CQ Roll Call's Paul M. Krawzak, Aidan Quigley and David Lerman explain the arguments on both sides and what the decision may mean for the "power of the purse" that the Constitution reserves for Congress.

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Shutdown stalemate

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 21:22:00 -0000

Neither party shows any sign of blinking in the standoff over a partial government shutdown that enters its third week. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Aris Folley and David Lerman assess how long the shutdown could last, which party may have the upper hand, and whether any pressure points remain that could force a resolution.

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Trapped in a shutdown

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:22:00 -0000

A partial government shutdown enters its second week with both parties dug in for a protracted fight and congressional leaders unwilling to negotiate. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Peter Cohn and David Lerman assess the roadblocks to a deal that could reopen government and how long it might take to break the logjam.

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Health subsidies standoff

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 21:52:00 -0000

A partisan divide over extending health insurance subsidies that expire at year's end threatens to trigger a partial government shutdown next week. CQ Roll Call's Sandhya Raman and David Lerman explain what the fight is about, why it's been so intractable, whether a compromise is in sight and what it might look like.

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Search for an end game

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:52:00 -0000

With barely three weeks to spare, Congress and the Trump administration are struggling to settle on a strategy for a funding extension that would avoid a partial government shutdown next month. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley and David Lerman discuss the competing interests at play, the status of appropriations markups, and the ongoing court battle over a White House attempt to claw back previously appropriated foreign aid.

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'Pocket rescission' showdown

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 20:05:00 -0000

Democrats are warning that Republicans risk a partial government shutdown next month if they don't resist President Donald Trump's plan to claw back $4.9 billion in foreign aid through a so-called pocket rescission. CQ Roll Call's Paul M. Krawzak and David Lerman explain how the White House push to cancel funding without congressional approval could derail work on a bipartisan stopgap funding extension needed by month's end.

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Rough-and-tumble September

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 19:48:00 -0000

The effort to avert a partial government shutdown next month could be uglier than usual after Congress left town for its August recess with partisan tensions at a fever pitch. As the Trump administration seeks to claw back funding, fights over Senate confirmations and the files of convicted sex offender Jefrrey Epstein all threaten to create a toxic brew that could derail the bipartisan appropriations process. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley and David Lerman outline the challenges facing Congress this fall.

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Politics of appropriations

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 16:50:00 -0000

The appropriations process is under threat from a poisonous political climate as Republicans seek cooperation from Democrats while pursuing partisan reconciliation and rescissions measures. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley and David Lerman discuss the state of the appropriations process at a recent webinar conducted for CQ subscribers.

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Big test on rescissions

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:14:00 -0000

The Senate will take up a bill to claw back $9.4 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funds that Democrats warn would blow up the bipartisan appropriations process. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Paul M. Krawzak and David Lerman assess the political importance of the Trump administration's rescissions package, the outlook in the Senate, and what it could mean for an already shaky appropriations process.

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Political fallout of 'big, beautiful bill'

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:27:00 -0000

President Donald Trump's new budget reconciliation law is already starting to define next year's midterm elections. CQ Roll Call's Daniela Altimari and David Lerman assess the political repercussions for both parties of the mammoth legislation and what it took to get the package across the finish line.

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'Beautiful' bill picked apart

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 18:37:00 -0000

The Senate parliamentarian has been busy throwing out key provisions in the GOP's reconciliation bill, ruling against measures affecting food stamps, immigration policy, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and more. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Aidan Quigley assess the latest condition of the reconciliation package and the fiscal 2026 appropriations process.

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Medicaid and 'SALT' divide GOP

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:29:00 -0000

The release of the biggest portion of the Senate GOP's reconciliation bill triggered internal party clashes over the scope of Medicaid cuts and the size of the state and local tax deduction known as SALT, among other disputes. CQ Roll Call's Caitlin Reilly, Sandhya Raman and David Lerman outline the sticking points in the Senate Finance Commitee's draft text and what they mean for the effort to pass a reconciliation bill by the July Fourth recess.

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'Big, beautiful' bill on the line

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 17:35:00 -0000

Senate Republicans are struggling to produce text of their reconciliation package this week despite disputes over Medicaid, food stamps, tax policy, Medicare and more. CQ Roll Call's Peter Cohn, Caitlin Reilly and David Lerman outline the big fights that could tie up the bill and look ahead to the fiscal 2026 appropriations process.

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Reconciliation headaches in Senate

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 18:37:00 -0000

Republican senators want changes to the "big, beautiful" House reconciliation bill, from Medicaid to tax cuts and more. And House appropriators begin writing their fiscal 2026 spending bills while the Trump administration tries to claw back already approved funding. CQ Roll Call's Paul M. Krawzak and David Lerman outline the fissures in the GOP reconciliation debate and the constitutional fight over the power of the purse.

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'Big, beautiful' bill heads to Senate

Fri, 23 May 2025 19:43:00 -0000

The House-passed reconciliation bill containing most of President Donald Trump's agenda won't clear the Senate in its current form. CQ Roll Call's Caitlin Reilly, Peter Cohn and David Lerman outline the changes that could be on the table and the competing demands among Senate Republicans that will make final passage a tough slog.

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Medicaid cuts in play

Mon, 12 May 2025 21:45:00 -0000

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has proposed Medicaid cuts to help pay for the GOP's budget reconciliation bill, though the cuts are less deep than some party moderates had feared and hard-right conservatives had sought. CQ Roll Call's Sandhya Raman, Jessie Hellmann and David Lerman outline the major changes to Medicaid that Republicans have proposed, the major cuts they omitted, and whether the package will have enough political support to reach the finish line.

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Trump's budget ax

Mon, 05 May 2025 17:23:00 -0000

President Donald Trump's preliminary fiscal 2026 budget request, which takes a meat ax to domestic programs and foreign aid, is getting a frosty reception from Senate GOP appropriators and Democrats alike. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley and David Lerman provide an early outlook for this year's appropriations process and the likely next steps.

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Budget promises put to the test

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 19:45:00 -0000

Vague promises from GOP leaders to seek deep spending cuts put down a rebellion from conservative holdouts and secured the adoption of a budget resolution this month. But now Republicans must begin writing a reconciliation bill enacting much of President Donald Trump's agenda with little sign of any resolution of the key conflicts that have divided GOP lawmakers for months. CQ Roll Call's Caitlin Reilly, Aidan Quigley and David Lerman assess the deal cut between leadership and Republicans rebels and what it could mean for the drafting of a filibuster-proof reconciliation bill.

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Budget battle in the House

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:28:00 -0000

Speaker Mike Johnson faces a rebellion within GOP ranks over a budget blueprint that squeaked through the Senate. CQ Roll Call's Caitlin Reilly, Paul M. Krawzak and David Lerman assess the outlook for final adoption of a budget resolution and the big fights over Medicaid cuts and whether to pay for extending tax cuts --- two key disputes that could trip up a GOP reconciliation bill.

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Tough climate for appropriations

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 22:03:00 -0000

The upcoming appropriations cycle faces some rough headwinds, as the Trump administration tries to freeze funding, fire thousands of public employees and gut federal agencies, while Republicans pursue a partisan reconciliation package that will further antagonize Democrats. Aidan Quigley, Caitlin Reilly and David Lerman discuss the challenging political climate for fiscal 2026 spending bills and how the reconciliation process could interfere with that work.

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Spending bill's political fallout

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:04:00 -0000

The six-month continuing resolution that avoided a partial government shutdown left Democrats deeply divided. CQ Roll Call's Mary Ellen McIntire and David Lerman explain the nature of the rift, whether it's likely to heal, and what it means for the party's ability to govern and combat the Trump administration.

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Leadership test on spending

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 19:40:00 -0000

House GOP leaders must rally their razor-thin majority to pass a stopgap funding measure this week, while Senate Democrats must decide whether to vote against a bill they dislike and trigger a partial government shutdown. CQ Roll Call's Peter Cohn and David Lerman assess the prospects for a fiscal 2025 continuing resolution and discuss the state of play on the GOP's budget reconciliation process.

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Stopgap spending decision time

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 20:30:00 -0000

A continuing resolution to head off a partial government shutdown is caught in the political crossfire of federal employee layoffs, funding freezes and a partisan dispute over the power of the purse. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Caitlin Reilly and David Lerman assess the political pressures for passing a stopgap funding extension, and the state of negotiations for a budget reconciliation package.

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Pivotal test for House budget

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 19:21:00 -0000

A House vote this week will test the unity of Republicans for a budget blueprint that would pave the way for a sweeping package of tax cuts, border security, defense funding, spending cuts and more. CQ Roll Call's Paul M. Krawzak and David Lerman outline the competing pressures between GOP centrists and hardcore conservatives over a budget resolution critical to President Donald Trump's agenda.

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Budget reconciliation pressures mount

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 19:31:00 -0000

The Senate's plan for a slim budget blueprint focused on border security and defense could be upended by President Donald Trump's new endorsement of the House push for "one big, beautiful" reconciliation package enacting much of his agenda all at once. But the House plan faces political pressures of its own, as GOP moderates shy away from steep spending cuts to critical safety-net programs. CQ Roll Call's Caitlin Reilly and David Lerman discuss the latest state of play on the competing strategies for budget reconciliation.

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Budget reconciliation stalls

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:25:00 -0000

House leaders had to punt on plans for a Budget Committee markup early this week as Republicans continue to squabble over the size of a budget reconciliation package and how to pay for it. CQ Roll Call's Caitlin Reilly and David Lerman assess the status of budget negotiations, the timing for action, and how far Senate Republicans may get in their own alternative, slimmer reconciliation package that omits tax cuts.

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House GOP in a quandary

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 19:48:00 -0000

Republicans are struggling to come together on a budget resolution that would pave the way for a mammoth reconciliation bill encompassing much of President Donald Trump's agenda, but there's no sign of a deal that would unite the conference. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley and David Lerman discuss the latest on a budget resolution, the fight over spending cuts, and whether leadership's timeline for action is becoming a pipe dream.

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Funding freeze turmoil

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 18:44:00 -0000

A Trump administration directive to freeze spending on federal grants and loans pending a policy review outraged Democrats and reignited a debate over who controls the power of the purse. CQ Roll Call's Paul M. Krawzak and David Lerman outline the battle over presidential "impoundment" authority and what it may mean for appropriations.

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Budget reconciliation 'horse race'

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 18:28:00 -0000

Torn over strategy for passing Donald Trump's agenda, the House and Senate are on a collision course over how to use the budget reconciliation process to pass tax cuts, border security, defense funding and more. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley and David Lerman outline the dispute, the political dynamics involved, and whether a leadership timeline for action is realistic.

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GOP's fragile majority

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 20:33:00 -0000

The election of Speaker Mike Johnson for another term underscored how difficult it will be for Republicans to govern with a razor-thin majority. CQ Roll Call's Jim Saksa and David Lerman recount what it took for Johnson to win the gavel and explain what it may mean for the legislative battles to come.

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Political fallout over spending

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:41:00 -0000

A funding package that averted a partial government shutdown left Republicans bitterly divided and chastened. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley and David Lerman examine the political fallout from a week of GOP infighting and what it means for President-elect Donald Trump's ambitious agenda next year.

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Big tax-cut and spending agenda

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 20:17:00 -0000

Republicans are preparing to use the budget reconciliation process to push border security, tax cuts and more on party-line votes next year. CQ Roll Call's Caitlin Reilly, Aidan Quigley and David Lerman outline what GOP leaders have in mind and the challenges they face. They also have the latest on plans for a stopgap funding and disaster relief measure needed by next week.

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The meaning of DOGE

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 19:57:00 -0000

President-elect Donald Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency isn't really a federal department, but it promises to take a meat ax to federal spending and regulations. CQ Roll Call's Peter Cohn and David Lerman assess what the outside agency can and can't do and what to expect from the new DOGE effort. We also look at President Joe Biden's push for new Ukraine aid and disaster relief as Congress prepares for a stopgap funding measure.

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Disaster aid scrubbing

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 19:08:00 -0000

Lawmakers are torn over the size and shape of a disaster relief package headed for a vote next month. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley and David Lerman discuss the latest on disaster aid, overdue appropriations, a new Senate defense budget writer, and a House firebrand's new role in curbing government spending.

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Funding strategy unresolved

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:45:00 -0000

Congress returns for a lame-duck session with a major decision to make on fiscal 2025 spending: whether to pass an omnibus package by Christmas or punt spending bills into the new year. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Caitlin Reilly and David Lerman assess the political ramifications of the choice, the crowded lame-duck agenda, and the challenge for Republicans in their quest for tax cuts next year.

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Post-election end game

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 18:30:00 -0000

Lawmakers will return to Washington after the elections with a heap of unfinished business and little time to get it done. Hurricane Helene may push disaster aid to the top of the agenda, while a year-end spending deal could be a heavy lift amid hopes for a farm bill and a defense policy bill. CQ Roll Call's Peter Cohn and David Lerman assess the political pressures and legislative possibilities of the upcoming lame-duck session.

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Finish line in sight

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 17:32:00 -0000

After weeks of partisan posturing, congressional leaders settled on a bipartisan bill to stave off a partial government shutdown next month. CQ Roll Call's Paul M. Krawzak and David Lerman assess the bumpy path to a continuing resolution and the final obstacles to passage.

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Long wait for a funding plan

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 19:17:00 -0000

With two weeks left before a partial government shutdown, there's been no sign of progress on a stopgap funding measure although both parties recognize what is needed for a deal. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Peter Cohn and David Lerman assess the political pressures and legislative obstacles that stand in the way of passing a continuing resolution.

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Politics of stopgap spending

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 17:27:00 -0000

Congress has three weeks to pass an election-season funding extension to head off a partial shutdown. House Republicans hope to win political talking points by including a measure designed to ensure that non-citizens can't vote by requiring proof of citizenship to register. They also want to punt final spending bills into March in hopes of increasing their leverage after the November elections. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley and David Lerman assess the obstacles and political pressures at play in the fight over a continuing resolution.

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Spending bill punts

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 22:04:00 -0000

Senate appropriators scrapped plans to take up their Homeland Security bill this week, while the House punted on three spending bills before leaving town for an extended summer recess. CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley, Valerie Yurk and David Lerman discuss the latest setbacks to the appropriations process and the challenge awaiting Congress this fall.

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Appropriations derailed

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 18:54:00 -0000

House leaders decided to punt on two of the four spending bills they had hoped to pass this week, and plans for votes next week could be scrapped entirely. Senate appropriators, meanwhile, will try to mark up four more of their bills this week without a bipartisan agreement on discretionary spending limits. CQ Roll Call's Peter Cohn and David Lerman discuss the state of the appropriations process as election-year pressures continue to build.

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GOP's political edge

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 19:20:00 -0000

The presidential debate put Democrats on the defensive, led to calls for President Joe Biden to step aside, and left Republicans feeling emboldened. CQ Roll Call's Caitlin Reilly and David Lerman discuss what those political dynamics may mean for tax policy and the appropriations process, which ramps up in the Senate this week.

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Law enforcement funding battle

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 18:33:00 -0000

A Commerce-Justice-Science spending bill drafted by House Republicans has triggered partisan disputes over federal law enforcement funding and policies as the GOP majority tries to rein in the Biden administration Justice Department. Senate appropriators, meanwhile, are preparing to begin their own markups as early as next week. CQ Roll Call's Ryan Tarinelli, Paul M. Krawzak and David Lerman outline the flashpoints in the Commerce-Justice-Science bill and the game plan for Senate appropriators.

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Border security and foreign aid fights

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 19:46:00 -0000

The House plans to take up its spending bills this week for the Homeland Security Department and the State Department and related agencies. CQ Roll Call's Rachel Oswald, Michael Macagnone and David Lerman preview the likely floor fights on those bills and what they mean for the appropriations process.

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Spending caps in peril

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 18:53:00 -0000

A budget caps agreement for the coming fiscal year could be falling apart after the Senate Armed Services Committee approved a defense authorization bill that would bust the cap on defense spending by $28 billion. And Republicans are starting to plan for an extension of tax cuts that are set to expire next year. CQ Roll Call's Paul M. Krawzak, Caitlin Reilly and David Lerman discuss the state of the budget caps deal, the appropriations process, and the fate of Trump-era tax cuts.

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Defense spending schism

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 18:52:00 -0000

The House is set to pass a defense policy bill authorizing a 1 percent spending increase, but Senate Republicans are pushing for a bigger defense increase that would bust a budget cap set last year. CQ Roll Call's Caroline Coudriet and David Lerman preview the coming battle over defense spending and the legislative action in both chambers on their competing versions of the annual defense authorization bill.

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Appropriations sprint begins

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 19:31:00 -0000

House leaders begin a two-month sprint this week to move all 12 of their GOP-backed fiscal 2025 spending bills across the floor before the August recess. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Aidan Quigley assess the obstacles to that goal, the potential impact of Donald Trump's felony convictions, and the primary election threat facing the new House Appropriations Committee chairman.

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Food stamps fight

Tue, 28 May 2024 19:46:00 -0000

An ideological fight over food stamp benefits threatens to derail the five-year farm bill reauthorization. CQ Roll Call agriculture reporter Olivia Bridges and host David Lerman discuss the partisan divide over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other major sticking points in farm bill negotiations.

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Funding allocations trouble

Mon, 20 May 2024 19:16:00 -0000

House appropriators kick off their annual markups this week while the House Armed Services Committee marks up its defense authorization bill. But a tight cap on defense spending has left defense hawks frustrated, and proposed cuts to nondefense spending have Democrats gearing up for a protracted battle. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and John M. Donnelly assess the fiscal 2025 House spending allocations and what they may mean for the appropriations process.

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Weapons freeze backlash

Mon, 13 May 2024 18:07:00 -0000

The Biden administration decision to hold up a shipment of weapons to Israel has triggered an outcry from Republicans, as the House pushes a new bill to lift the freeze and hold some spending hostage. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn assess the latest on the Gaza war, House appropriations, the FAA bill and more.

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Aviation bill dogfight

Mon, 06 May 2024 18:39:00 -0000

Congress is scrambling to complete work this week on the Federal Aviation Administration bill before key authorities expire on May 10. But a push for amendments, including some with hefty price tags, is threatening to gum up the works. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Valerie Yurk outline the major obstacles to the five-year FAA bill and assess its prospects for passage.

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Earmarks culture war

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 17:09:00 -0000

House Republicans are imposing new restrictions on earmarks as a partisan divide over cultural issues widens. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Aidan Quigley explain the latest battle over congressionally directed funding and what the changes mean for the appropriations process.

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Politics of Ukraine aid

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 20:04:00 -0000

The House finally broke a logjam that held up Ukraine aid for months, but a majority of Republicans voted against the aid and Speaker Mike Johnson's job is on the line as a result. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and John M. Donnelly assess the shifting politics over Ukraine and foreign policy in the Republican Party of Donald Trump.

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Johnson's conundrum

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 17:57:00 -0000

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., faces pressure from all sides after promising to take up an aid bill for Israel this week that may or may not include money for Ukraine. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn assess the embattled speaker's options on a national security supplemental spending package.

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Tumultuous appropriations cycle

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 23:06:00 -0000

Final fiscal 2024 appropriations came nearly six months late, left Republicans divided and bitter, triggered the ouster of a House speaker, and put a new speaker on notice that his own ouster could come next. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Aidan Quigley recap the drama of the just-completed appropriations cycle and assess what it means politically for a Ukraine aid package and fiscal 2025.

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Biden's budget dissected

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:19:00 -0000

President Joe Biden's fiscal 2025 budget request offers up election-year domestic initiatives from child care to affordable housing while promising to reduce deficits from projected levels over the coming decade. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley, Caitlin Reilly and Paul M. Krawzak dissect the budget request and its prospects in Congress in a webinar presentation for CQ subscribers.

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Dueling claims on new spending package

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 21:42:00 -0000

Both parties claimed victories in the six-bill appropriations package unveiled Sunday for the current fiscal year. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and Peter Cohn outline some of the winners and losers.

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Appropriations impasse

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 22:15:00 -0000

Congress is barreling toward a March 1 funding deadline with all signs pointing to gridlock on appropriations bills. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and Paul M. Krawzak dissect the latest setback and potential next steps on both appropriations and a stalled war funding package.

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War funding makes headway

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 19:21:00 -0000

The Senate appeared on a glide path toward passing a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of stalemate over efforts to better secure the U.S. southern border. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn assess the prospects for the long-stalled aid package and the obstacles that still lie ahead.

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Border-war aid package on tortured path

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 19:17:00 -0000

A $118 billion package for Ukraine, Israel and border security now faces tough sledding in the Senate and even longer odds in the House. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Mark Satter and Caitlin Reilly assess the prospects for the long-stalled emergency spending measure and two tax bills waiting in the wings.

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Appropriations breakthrough and tax bill uncertainty

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 18:24:00 -0000

Top appropriators reached a deal on fiscal 2024 spending allocations, while a bipartisan tax package faces a backlash. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and Caitlin Reilly assess the state of play on appropriations, taxes, and the Senate's war funding and border security package.

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Prospects for tax and border deals

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 21:14:00 -0000

House tax writers approved a package of tax breaks for businesses and low-income families, while Senate leaders appeared increasingly optimistic about reaching a border security compromise that would clear the way for aid to Ukraine and Israel. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Caitlin Reilly and John M. Donnelly assess the prospects for both measures and outline the challenges they face for passage.

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Under the gun

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 19:17:00 -0000

Congress is scrambling to pass another stopgap funding bill this week to avoid a partial government shutdown. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and Paul M. Krawzak outline the political and logistical obstacles lawmakers face while they also try to make headway on final appropriations.

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Familiar spending deal

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 19:08:00 -0000

Congressional leaders reached a new accord on topline discretionary spending levels that looks a lot like the agreement struck in last year's debt limit law. But there's little time left to complete final appropriations bills before current stopgap funding runs dry. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and Paul M. Krawzak assess the politics surrounding the new deal and what it may mean for the long-delayed appropriations process.

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Showdown on the border

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 18:58:00 -0000

The Senate is staying in town in hopes of passing a war funding and border security package by Christmas, but the politics of immigration pose a major stumbling block. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and John M. Donnelly assess the chances of a bipartisan deal and the obstacles that lie ahead for passage.

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Crunch time for topline funding deal, supplemental

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 18:19:00 -0000

House Republicans are digging in for a fight over fiscal 2024 spending levels that Democrats in both chambers and many GOP senators thought were settled months ago, while an emergency war funding package remains in limbo. CQ Roll Call's Peter Cohn and Aidan Quigley discuss the stakes for lawmakers as they prepare to head for the exits as the holiday season approaches.

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Hard slog on war funds and appropriations

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 18:31:00 -0000

Negotiations over both emergency war funds and fiscal 2024 appropriations are proceeding at a snail's pace with little time left before the scheduled Christmas recess. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and John M. Donnelly discuss the state of play, as well as how much defense money is appropriated without any request from the Pentagon.

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Stormy talks ahead

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:48:00 -0000

Lawmakers averted a shutdown as they left town for Thanksgiving but left a mountain of unfinished business. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and Peter Cohn outline what is needed to salvage fiscal 2024 appropriations and an emergency spending package for Israel, Ukraine and more.

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Showdown week for stopgap funding

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 16:45:00 -0000

Congressional leaders have until Friday to shepherd a short-term funding extension through both chambers to avoid a partial government shutdown. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Paul M. Krawzak outline the challenges ahead and what to watch for as the final votes near.

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Funding mess ahead

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 19:36:02 -0000

Congress has yet to agree on a stopgap bill to head off a Nov. 17 government shutdown while lawmakers fight over emergency spending for Israel, Ukraine and more. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Caitlin Reilly and John M. Donnelly outline the fiscal challenges for the next two weeks as the House also tries to pass full-year appropriations bills.

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New speaker's agenda

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 16:38:31 -0000

Newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., takes office with a hefty fiscal agenda only three weeks before the government runs out of money. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and Peter Cohn outline the challenges Johnson faces to keep the government open, handle emergency spending requests and get the appropriations process back on track.

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Scramble for speakership

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:15:03 -0000

House Republicans headed back to the drawing boards this week in search of a speaker nominee who could win a majority vote. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Laura Weiss and Paul M. Krawzak dissect the new crop of candidates and how the race might unfold. They also assess the White House request for $106 billion in emergency aid for Ukraine, Israel and more.

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Race for the gavel

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 20:40:43 -0000

Divisions among the Republican conference have left the House without a speaker for two weeks. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Laura Weiss and Aidan Quigley dissect the battle for the speaker's gavel and what it means for the appropriations process and tax policy.

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Bipartisan truce

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 19:15:56 -0000

Congress avoided a partial government shutdown after an abrupt change of course by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., that triggered a threat to his leadership. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn outline the surprising turn of events, the coming fight over Ukraine aid, and the challenge of reaching a deal for full-year appropriations.

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Stopgap funding troubles

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 18:22:55 -0000

With a week to go before federal funding runs dry, a fight over Ukraine aid could stymie efforts to pass a short-term spending extension to head off a partial government shutdown. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and John M. Donnelly outline the battle and explain why efforts to pass full-year spending bills have faltered in both the House and Senate.

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Appropriations on the skids

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 17:13:59 -0000

The Senate's first fiscal 2024 spending package stalled on the floor as hard-line conservatives rebelled, while House leaders had to abandon plans to take up their Defense spending bill. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Peter Cohn and Paul M. Krawzak discuss the challenge to get appropriations back on track and House GOP efforts to reach an intraparty deal on a stopgap funding measure.

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Emergency spending clash

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 15:40:43 -0000

The House and Senate may be on a collision course over an emergency spending package for Ukraine aid, disaster relief and border resources. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Peter Cohn and Paul M. Krawzak outline the fight and the politics behind it, as the first fiscal 2024 appropriations bills head to the House and Senate floors.

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Spending battle preview

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:26:19 -0000

Congress set the stage for a chaotic September session, with the House and Senate on a collision course over appropriations and the risk of a partial government shutdown already being assessed. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Aidan Quigley sum up the state of the appropriations process to date and the challenges awaiting lawmakers this fall.

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Divergent spending paths

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 18:59:54 -0000

The House and Senate are moving in opposite directions on fiscal 2024 spending, as House Republicans seek deeper cuts than senators of both parties favor. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Paul M. Krawzak and Aidan Quigley assess the state of play as appropriators try to make headway before the long August recess.

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Appropriations collision course

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 15:01:02 -0000

The House and Senate appear to be on a collision course over fiscal 2024 spending, while pressure builds in the Senate for an emergency supplemental bill for defense, disaster relief and more. In a special hour-long webinar, CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and Paul M. Krawzak discuss the state of the appropriations process, prospects for avoiding a partial government shutdown, and the coming battle over emergency spending.

A chart showing House and Senate spending allocations that is discussed in the webinar can be found here:

https://plus.cq.com/doc/news-7776770?3&srcpage=home&srcsec=ina

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Defense budget uncertainty

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 17:17:07 -0000

Even with a bipartisan defense spending cap in place, the size and shape of a fiscal 2024 defense budget is still a wild card. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and John M. Donnelly outline the factors that could make defense spending much larger -- or smaller -- than the budget caps deal envisions.

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Spending allocations clash

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 19:27:57 -0000

Senate appropriators approved spending allocations for their 12 annual bills in a party-line vote, setting up a clash with their House counterparts. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley, and Paul M. Krawzak assess the state of the appropriations process and a new push by Donald Trump to claim more executive authority over spending.

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Partisan clash on spending and taxes

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 19:01:42 -0000

House Republicans approved lower fiscal 2024 spending levels than provided in a bipartisan debt limit deal, while Senate appropriators pledged to stick to the higher deal-backed levels. And House GOP tax writers approved a package of tax cuts that Democrats said would increase deficits. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and Laura Weiss dissect the partisan battles over appropriations and tax cuts that show no sign of easing.

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Conservatives revolt

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 20:12:23 -0000

A group of hardcore conservatives staged a protest that brought House business to a halt, partly over spending levels approved in a bipartisan debt limit package. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Peter Cohn and Aidan Quigley examine the protest and what it means for an already divisive appropriations process that is sending the House and Senate off in different directions.

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Debt limit deal examined

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 18:06:27 -0000

The bipartisan deal to suspend the debt limit into 2025 ended months of partisan wrangling, heated rhetoric and some contentious rounds of negotiating. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Peter Cohn and Lindsey McPherson dissect the deal's political ramifications and what it means for the appropriations process this year.

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Debt limit deal explained

Tue, 30 May 2023 16:02:28 -0000

The bipartisan deal to suspend the debt limit until 2025 is more complicated than advertised, with side deals constructed to let both parties describe the measure to their own advantage. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Paul M. Krawzak and Aidan Quigley explain the deal and its prospects for passage in the House and Senate.

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Spending caps struggle

Mon, 22 May 2023 18:19:28 -0000

A bipartisan deal on a debt limit increase hinges mostly on resolving a fight over how to scale back discretionary spending. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Aidan Quigley explain what the fight is about and what it means for this year's appropriations process.

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Debt limit drama

Mon, 15 May 2023 19:28:09 -0000

Pressure for a deal to raise the debt limit is building as President Joe Biden meets with congressional leaders for a second time this week. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Laura Weiss and Ellyn Ferguson outline the latest on debt limit negotiations and where things stand on the effort to produce a new farm bill by September.

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Presidential engagement

Fri, 05 May 2023 15:19:50 -0000

After months of stalemate, President Joe Biden will sit down with the top four congressional leaders Tuesday to talk about how to raise the debt limit to avoid economic calamity next month when the government's borrowing authority is expected to run dry. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Peter Cohn and Aidan Quigley assess the chances for a bipartisan deal, how long it might take, and what the standoff means for fiscal 2024 appropriations.

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Search for debt limit compromise

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 17:38:11 -0000

The House narrowly passed a Republican-backed bill to raise the debt limit into next year and force spending cuts. But Congress appeared no closer to a bipartisan deal needed by summer to extend the government's borrowing authority. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Lindsey McPherson and Laura Weiss assess what may come next in the search for a compromise.

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Test of unity

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 16:36:21 -0000

The Republican-controlled House plans to vote next week on GOP legislation to raise the debt limit and force spending cuts, in a major test of unity for the new House majority. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and Laura Weiss outline the new debt limit bill and assess its chances for passage on the House floor.

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The politics of raising the debt limit

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:29:14 -0000

House Republicans are drafting legislation offering Democrats a debt limit increase combined with discretionary spending caps, tougher work requirements for food stamps, rescinding unspent pandemic aid, and more. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Peter Cohn and Lindsey McPherson outline the GOP game plan and assess how the battle over the debt ceiling may play out.

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IRS funding in crosshairs

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 19:23:37 -0000

The IRS unveiled a 10-year spending plan designed to crack down on wealthy tax dodgers and improve customer service, but Republicans warned against an 'army" of auditors descending on middle-class workers. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Laura Weiss outline the partisan battle over IRS funding and what it means for the appropriations process.

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Debt limit pressure tactics

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 17:38:49 -0000

Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and President Joe Biden traded letters over talks to raise the debt limit as each side sought to ramp up the pressure for a deal that would end a partisan standoff. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Lindsey McPherson and Paul M. Krawzak assess the tactics used by both sides and the challenges facing Republicans in trying to produce a budget resolution.

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Spending cuts standoff

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 17:18:24 -0000

President Joe Biden wants to see a Republican budget before resuming fiscal talks with Speaker Kevin McCarthy. But Republicans say their budget will be delayed as they urge negotiations over raising the debt limit. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Lindsey McPherson and Aidan Quigley outline the debt limit standoff and a war of words between the parties over the impact of potential spending cuts.

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GOP's budget attack

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 18:38:00 -0000

Senate Republican budget writers waged a multifront offensive on President Joe Biden's fiscal 2024 budget request, while Democrats pointed to a Congressional Budget Office analysis to say House GOP budget plans are unrealistic. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Peter Cohn and Paul M. Krawzak assess how Biden's blueprint was received on Capitol Hill and what it means for the appropriations process.

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Dissecting Biden's budget

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 17:54:13 -0000

President Joe Biden unveiled a fiscal 2024 blueprint that Republicans have promised to oppose. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Peter Cohn and Aidan Quigley outline the tax and spending proposals and how they will influence this year's battles over appropriations, taxes and the debt limit.

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Preparing for budget release

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 18:48:03 -0000

As they await President Joe Biden's fiscal 2024 budget request, lawmakers are mulling the prospects for a budget resolution and issuing new guidance for earmarks in appropriations bills. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Paul M. Krawzak discuss the latest timing for a budget release and how lawmakers are mapping strategy for the year ahead.

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The politics of Medicare funding

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 17:20:11 -0000

President Joe Biden's accusation that Republicans are trying to cut Medicare triggered a counterattack by the GOP: that the Biden administration wants to cut benefits in Medicare Advantage plans. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Jessie Hellmann unpack the basis of those claims and the potential impact of new administrative rules for the privately run Medicare Advantage plans.

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Gloomy fiscal forecast

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 18:16:04 -0000

Deficits over a decade will be 20 percent higher than forecast just nine months ago, and action is needed by summer to raise the debt limit, the Congressional Budget Office said in two new reports. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn assess the latest budget forecasts and what they may mean for the spending and debt limit battles to come.

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Battle lines drawn

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:31:57 -0000

Both parties have made their opening bids in the battle over raising the statutory debt limit. CQ Roll's David Lerman, Paul M. Krawzak and Aidan Quigley outline the political dynamics in the Republican push for spending cuts and pledges to protect Social Security and Medicare. They also assess how new members could influence spending bills in the Appropriations Committees.

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Appropriations power shifts

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 22:16:57 -0000

The new Congress features a power shakeup on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees that will change how spending bills are written. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and Paul M. Krawzak outline the leadership changes in appropriations and assess the political dynamics in the battle over raising the statutory debt limit.

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CQ Budget: Debt limit strategy

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 18:44:19 -0000

House Republicans are mulling a short-term suspension of the debt limit in an attempt to buy time for a bipartisan deal. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Paul M. Krawzak outline the dilemma facing the GOP as it seeks to pair a debt limit increase with spending cuts.

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Two fiscal brawls ahead

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 18:19:23 -0000

Both parties have raised the stakes in a battle over lifting the statutory debt limit. And House Republicans are promising big spending cuts while they try to protect the Pentagon's budget. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Lindsey McPherson, Paul M. Krawzak and Caroline Coudriet outline the biggest fiscal challenges of the year and assess prospects for possible compromise.

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Fiscal train wreck ahead?

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 20:01:38 -0000

A partisan showdown over the debt limit and Republican promises to slash spending could add up to a fiscal train wreck this year for a divided new Congress. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Paul M. Krawzak, Aidan Quigley and Laura Weiss offer a preview of the budget, appropriations and tax policy agenda for the year to come.

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Next year's fiscal outlook

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 19:00:10 -0000

Lawmakers finally cleared an omnibus spending package three months late, but a divided Congress next year is sure to make fiscal policy even more contentious. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Lindsey McPherson, Aidan Quigley, Laura Weiss and Paul M. Krawzak assess how the two parties fared in the omnibus deal and the range of disputes coming in the new year.

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Omnibus showdown

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 16:37:33 -0000

Congress has one week left to complete an overdue omnibus spending package for the current fiscal year. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Lindsey McPherson, Aidan Quigley and Laura Weiss outline what to expect in the final bill, what may end up on the cutting room floor, and how a climactic week on Capitol Hill may play out.

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Political Theater: ‘The Corridors of Power’ shows how genocide goes through the policy calculus

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 17:24:57 -0000

Dror Moreh’s documentary “The Corridors of Power” is a chronicle of the American response to genocide in modern times. It combines difficult footage of atrocities and violence with Moreh’s one-on-one interviews with powerful U.S. officials, from such iconic figures as Colin Powell and Madeline Albright to contemporary ones who are still serving at the highest levels of government like Antony Blinken and Jake Sullivan.

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Omnibus Spending Talks Heat Up

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 19:13:03 -0000

After weeks of inaction, top appropriators and congressional leaders began making headway on a bipartisan deal that would pave the way for an overdue omnibus spending package, but big sticking points remain. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Lindsey McPherson and Paul M. Krawzak outline the state of negotiations and discuss prospects for raising the debt limit and the fate of a proposed earmarks ban.

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Lame-duck fiscal agenda

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 15:53:43 -0000

After a split verdict in the midterm elections, a lame-duck Congress under Democratic control will try to complete its fiscal agenda. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn assess the impact of the elections on the prospects for an omnibus spending package, lifting the statutory debt limit, and more.

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Stopgap funding finale

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 16:44:32 -0000

President Joe Biden signed a short-term spending measure that staves off the risk of a partial government shutdown until mid-December. But a lame-duck session after the November elections will be a busy one. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn outline a to-do list that includes an omnibus funding package, hurricane relief, coronavirus aid, and compensation to families of victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

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Final countdown

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 15:46:30 -0000

Lawmakers have less than a week left to pass a stopgap spending measure to avoid a partial government shutdown. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Aidan Quigley outline the likely game plan for completing a deal and the hurdles still standing in the way.

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Spending talks morass

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 14:43:36 -0000

Negotiations on a short-term measure to avoid a partial government shutdown next month have stalled, as disputes over environmental permitting, coronavirus aid, disaster relief and more create obstacles to a deal. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn outline the sticking points and a likely path to resolution.

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Obstacles to stopgap funding

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 18:05:41 -0000

A short-term funding measure to head off a partial government shutdown is now caught up in fights over emergency spending requests and an effort to streamline federal permitting for energy projects. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Lindsey McPherson and Aidan Quigley outline the challenges facing Congress to pass stopgap funding by the end of this month.

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A win for Democrats

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 18:10:31 -0000

Democrats celebrated the passage of their climate, health and tax package, but debate over the partisan measure now moves to the campaign trail. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Laura Weiss and Paul M. Krawzak examine what the new law could mean for the midterm elections and how both parties could use it to their political advantage. They also discuss the upcoming fight over a stopgap funding measure to ward off a partial government shutdown.

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Democrats unite

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 16:18:00 -0000

Democrats appear to have the votes they need to pass a revised version of their health, climate and tax package along party lines in the evenly divided Senate. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn outline the changes that led to a new agreement with Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and explain the procedural hurdles that still await the package.

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Joe Manchin's 180

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 15:21:01 -0000

A surprise change of heart from the West Virginia Democrat put a revamped "Build Back Better" plan back on the table. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Lindsey McPherson and Laura Weiss examine the twist of fate and the challenges awaiting Democrats in trying to pass the measure.They also discuss microchip and veterans benefits legislation and the latest on appropriations.

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Microchips and drug pricing

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 16:04:10 -0000

Before their August recess, lawmakers hope to pass a major funding package to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing and a measure designed to lower the cost of many prescription drugs. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Aidan Quigley and Lauren Clason outline the challenges awaiting Congress to pass those bills.

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`Build Back Better' unravels

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 16:51:27 -0000

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin III told fellow Democrats he could no longer support climate provisions or higher taxes as part of any budget reconciliation package that comes to a vote before the August recess. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman, Lindsey McPherson and Laura Weiss examine how Democratic negotiations unraveled, what can still be salvaged, and what it means for their broader legislative agenda.

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Crunch time for Democratic agenda

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 16:25:48 -0000

Senate Democrats want to pass a downsized "Build Back Better" reconciliation package before the August recess despite a threat from the Republican leader to hold up a bipartisan chip manufacturing and economic competitiveness bill in retaliation. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn examine the legislative options for what could be a chaotic and unpredictable July work session on Capitol Hill.

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Military budget set to swell

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 16:29:36 -0000

Two major congressional committees have now spoken on the fiscal 2023 Pentagon budget. Peter Cohn and John M. Donnelly discuss how the Armed Services panels will keep the pressure on appropriators to add tens of billions of dollars more to President Joe Biden's defense proposals.

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Defense spending battle lines

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 15:21:33 -0000

A bipartisan Senate defense authorization bill upped the ante on defense spending for the coming fiscal year. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn explain the new battle lines over defense spending that could stall appropriations.

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Appropriations kickoff

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 15:30:56 -0000

House appropriators are about to begin their markups on fiscal 2023 spending bills after taking a shortcut on a budget blueprint. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Paul M. Krawzak outline what lies ahead for appropriators and assess the latest effort to resurrect a "Build Back Better" reconciliation package.

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UFO's in budget projections

Fri, 27 May 2022 15:08:03 -0000

A new 10-year budget forecast shows soaring revenue increases that the Congressional Budget Office acknowledged it can't fully explain. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn analyze the latest fiscal and economic projections and explain what they might mean for future spending and tax policy.

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Pandemic aid derailment

Fri, 20 May 2022 16:30:36 -0000

Senate spending hawks blocked a $48 billion aid package for restaurants and some other small businesses. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Lindsey McPherson assess the fallout and prospects for any future aid attempt.

Recorded 5/20/22

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Senate fumble on Ukraine aid

Fri, 13 May 2022 16:06:33 -0000

A lone senator's objection stymied bipartisan hopes for speedy passage of a $40 billion Ukraine aid measure. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn explain the cause of the holdup and what it may mean for pandemic-related funding bills waiting in the wings.

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Aid package puzzle

Fri, 06 May 2022 16:09:46 -0000

Disputes over school meal waivers, immigration policy and business assistance are some of the moving pieces complicating aid measures for Ukraine and COVID-19. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Lindsey McPherson discuss the latest twists and turns in assembling billions of dollars of supplemental funding.

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Aid quandary for Congress

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 17:10:44 -0000

New aid for Ukraine is tied up in a fight over pandemic relief and immigration policy. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn explain the tangle over supplemental funding and assess the prospects for fiscal 2023 appropriations, a downsized "Build Back Better" measure and more.

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Unfinished fiscal agenda

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 14:52:40 -0000

Lawmakers face a jam-packed agenda after the April recess that includes pandemic aid, restaurant relief, a semiconductor manufacturing measure, fiscal 2023 appropriations, and possibly a resurrected "Build Back Better" package. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Paul M. Krawzak outline the to-do list and assess the prospects for passage.

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Pandemic aid package derailed

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 15:49:09 -0000

A $10 billion aid package for COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics fell victim to the politics of immigration. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Aidan Quigley examine how a bipartisan compromise came unglued and the prospects for salvaging it. They also assess competing efforts to funnel more aid to restaurants and other pandemic-battered industries.

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Partisan fiscal clash resumes

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:55:06 -0000

President Joe Biden's budget request for the coming fiscal year sets the stage for a replay of the partisan struggle over defense and nondefense spending levels that delayed appropriations for months. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn outline the key elements of Biden's budget and assess the state of play on a new pandemic relief package and a response to high gas prices.

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What to expect in the Biden administration budget

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 14:38:05 -0000

President Joe Biden's fiscal 2023 budget request, due Monday, will propose new spending levels for defense and nondefense programs at a time of soaring inflation in an election year. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Paul M. Krawzak preview the major elements of a budget package that Congress will wrestle with in coming months.

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Tax breaks percolating

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 16:00:00 -0000

While the fiscal 2022 omnibus spending package steered clear of tax legislation, lawmakers are preparing to push for several tax measures in coming months, including breaks for charitable donations, research and development, employee retention and more. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Laura Weiss outline the congressional tax agenda and efforts to shore up funding for the IRS.

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Omnibus spending deal done

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 17:00:00 -0000

It came more than five months late, but omnibus appropriations for the current fiscal year made it across the finish line this week. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Lindsey McPherson explain what took so long, how a compromise was reached, and the sacrifices made to get a deal done. They also assess a new fight over additional pandemic aid.

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Countdown to a spending deal

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 17:00:00 -0000

With one week to go before current government funding runs out, lawmakers are struggling to reach a deal on fiscal 2022 appropriations while accommodating a new White House request for additional Ukraine aid and pandemic relief. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn assess the state of spending negotiations and discuss a lower-profile bill offering a major expansion of veterans' health care benefits.

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What's happening with infrastructure spending?

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 16:25:00 -0000

Big spending increases for roads and other transportation projects approved in the bipartisan infrastructure law remain on hold until Congress passes an appropriations bill. In this episode of CQ Budget, budget tracker David Lerman speaks to experts Peter Cohn and Jessica Wehrman to understand what the hold up is and the political implications.

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Two weeks and counting

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 16:57:00 -0000

The path to avoiding a government shutdown is changing by the hour. And if an agreement on spending isn't reached in two weeks, the government will come to a grinding halt. CQ Roll Call's Paul M. Krawzak and David Lerman discuss what may go to the House floor as soon as Tuesday and what the details of a deal could look like.

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Budget priorities clash in coming months

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 16:52:00 -0000

Democrats have so much to do and so little time. Congress faces a Feb. 18 deadline to complete overdue appropriations but distractions are multiplying. That means as each day passes the chances for a revival of the "Build Back Better" package dwindles. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Lindsey McPherson preview what is coming up in a very busy next few months.

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Getting something done

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 16:07:19 -0000

President Biden and others have spoken this week about breaking apart the behemoth reconciliation package known as "Build Back Better" to pass pieces of it. But as CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Peter Cohn explain, this idea may be more complicated than it seems.

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Movement on the appropriations process?

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:12:38 -0000

Lead appropriators from both sides of the aisle are sitting down to chat. Polite chatter in the hallways of Congress has replaced boisterous accusations. Could this mean months of drama over issues like defense and non-defense spending are getting hammered out? CQ Roll Call's Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman lay out where things stand.

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New year’s outlook for reconciliation package and appropriations

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 16:46:09 -0000

CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman look ahead to negotiations around the roughly $2 trillion reconciliation package and appropriations season.

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Democrats look to new year to pass tax and spending package

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 16:34:13 -0000

Democratic leaders hoped to pass a $2.2 trillion climate change and social safety package known as Build Back Better by Christmas. Instead, negotiations between President Joe Biden and West Virginia's Senator Joe Manchin will continue into the new year. CQ Roll Call's Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss whether Democrats will be able to pass the measure in 2022.

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Senate clears procedural debt limit measure

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 17:24:22 -0000

The Senate cleared a bill to let Democrats increase the debt limit on their own, delaying the next bipartisan debate over the debt limit until after the midterm elections. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down the bipartisan effort.

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So much to do, so little time

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 17:06:00 -0000

There is so much left for Congress to do before the end of the year — a vote on the debt limit and the sweeping climate and social spending package. But divisions are so sharp that even the smallest of tasks like agreeing on a stopgap funding measure have become monumental tasks. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Peter Cohn break down everything you need to know about the reconciliation package, the debt ceiling and the latest continuing resolution.

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At last, House passes massive reconciliation package

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 16:36:27 -0000

The House voted 220-213 Friday morning to send the Senate the $2.2 trillion reconciliation package -- capping off overnight drama when GOP leader Kevin McCarthy stalled passage while speaking for more than eight hours.

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Will the reconciliation bill pass soon?

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 16:40:00 -0000

The House could vote as soon as next week on the roughly $2 trillion reconciliation package, sending it to the Senate where it's provisions could be changed. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down the latest around the reconciliation package.

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Reconciliation at risk

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 15:13:00 -0000

Financing concerns left moderate Democrats queasy about voting for a budget reconciliation package to expand the safety net and combat climate change. The plan hinges on new taxes, prescription drug cost savings, and increased tax enforcement. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Laura Weiss explain the financing behind the package and some last-minute negotiations that could still trigger further change

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The skinny on the stripped down reconciliation framework

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 15:39:00 -0000

President Biden presented House Democrats with a $1.75 trillion reconciliation framework text this week. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down what was cut from the framework, the rift between progressive and moderate Democrats and what’s next for the reconciliation bill.

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What's the meaning of compromise?

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 16:15:08 -0000

When it comes to reconciliation, reducing the original price tag by $1.5 trillion has left a lot on the floor. President Joe Biden signaled Democrats are close now, or at least closer, to a final package. A Medicare expansion to cover dental, hearing and vision; tax rate increases on corporations and wealthy individuals; and two years of tuition-free community college appear to be left by the wayside. CQ Roll Call's Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman lay out the specifics and discuss the politics of the bill.

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What’s next for the reconciliation bill?

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 15:28:40 -0000

Democrats have two weeks to meet a self-imposed deadline to pass a reconciliation bill, but a rift between moderate and progressive Democrats over the size of the package remains. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down the latest around the reconciliation bill.

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Debt limit crisis averted, for now

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 15:52:00 -0000

The Senate approved a short-term debt limit patch Thursday night, raising borrowing authority by $480 billion, but the compromise agreement between Senate leaders doesn’t provide much time to reach a longer-term agreement. CQ Roll Call's Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman take a look at the impending showdown over the debt limit.

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President Biden's domestic agenda at stake

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 15:29:00 -0000

The House could vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill Friday, but progressive Democrats plan to vote against the measure unless the Senate passes a reconciliation package. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss the latest around President Joe Biden's domestic agenda.

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Stopgap funding faces uncertainty in the Senate

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 15:38:48 -0000

The House passed a bill that would fund the government through Dec. 3, but it still needs to pass the evenly divided Senate. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down the bill's path in the Senate, if Democrats will end up addressing the debt limit through the reconciliation process and more.

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Where things stand on reconciliation

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 16:06:11 -0000

House Democrats wrapped up markups for the 13 sections of the reconciliation package this week, sending the draft text to the Budget Committee where it’ll be compiled before heading to the Rules Committee. But disagreements between moderate and progressive Democrats could significantly reshape the package. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down the latest on the reconciliation package.

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Uncertainty surrounds budget resolution for as it heads to House

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 16:24:00 -0000

The House is set to take up the fiscal 2022 budget resolution the week of Aug. 23, but moderates are threatening to block the tax and spending blueprint unless leaders hold a vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and Paul Krawzak discuss the latest on the budget resolution.

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Playing chicken with the debt limit

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 15:38:57 -0000

An upcoming decision on whether to raise or suspend the debt limit is shaping up to be one of the more challenging legislative battles this year. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss what is likely to be a contentious fight between the two parties.

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Senate infrastructure deal secured

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 15:14:50 -0000

The Senate voted this week to advance bipartisan infrastructure legislation with $550 billion in new spending over the next 5 years. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss the road ahead for the bill.

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First appropriations bills head to House floor

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 16:39:19 -0000

The House is taking up seven appropriations bills as one package next week, bringing debates about federal funding for abortion, environmental policy and infrastructure to the floor. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down the road ahead for these bills.

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Budget reconciliation package outline set at $3.5 trillion

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:51:00 -0000

Senate Democrats agreed this week to work toward a $3.5 trillion reconciliation package, which would fund major programs President Joe Biden proposed in his economic plans. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss the plan, Democratic unity around the package and the likely long voting sessions ahead.

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What awaits Congress before summer recess

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 16:21:00 -0000

Both chambers are expected to debate and vote on a fiscal 2022 budget resolution with reconciliation instructions, while the Senate is planning to vote on the bipartisan infrastructure package and the debt limit suspension set to expire at the end of the month. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and Niels Lesniewski discuss everything to look out for in a packed July.

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Bipartisan infrastructure plan reached

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 15:26:12 -0000

The Biden administration has reached an agreement with a group of bipartisan senators on an infrastructure package, but issues remain. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss the latest.

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Democrats go big with new spending proposal

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 15:40:42 -0000

Senate Democrats are preparing to draft a fiscal 2022 budget resolution with up to $6 trillion in reconciliation spending during the next decade. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down what this means for bipartisan talks on an infrastructure package and the path through reconciliation.

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Spending season begins with uncertainty

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 15:45:00 -0000

House Democrats are preparing to approve a roughly $1.5 trillion total discretionary spending level in a deeming resolution so appropriators can begin work on the fiscal 2022 spending bills. But partisanship is leaving the fate of these spending bills up in the air. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down the major spending level debates that will play out over the next couple of months.

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Appropriators prepare for abortion funding fight

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 16:01:00 -0000

Democrats plan to remove the Hyde amendment from the House appropriations measure, igniting a battle with Republicans. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and Sandhya Raman break down the impending fight over federal abortion funding in Congress, looking at the Hyde amendment, the Helms amendment and more.

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Looking ahead at a busy appropriations season

Fri, 21 May 2021 16:25:00 -0000

June and July are going to be busy for lawmakers as Congress looks to tackle a budget resolution, appropriations bills, debt limit legislation, infrastructure and more. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down the next few months and look at how the Capitol Hill security spending bill may be in the mix.

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Infrastructure week, again

Fri, 14 May 2021 15:43:32 -0000

Negotiations on a bipartisan infrastructure compromise gained new momentum after President Biden met this week with GOP senators. The one thing everyone agrees on is that both sides want a bipartisan agreement. CQ Roll Call's Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman explain where things stand.

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Budget season preview

Fri, 07 May 2021 15:36:00 -0000

Lawmakers are bracing for a hectic few months, with President Biden’s budget request expected by Memorial Day, House committee markups in June, and a potential reconciliation bill for Biden’s infrastructure, education and child care plans. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Peter Cohn discuss everything coming down the pike over the next few months.

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Biden goes even bigger on spending

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:28:00 -0000

President Joe Biden outlined his plan for spending big on key areas in his prime-time address to Congress, calling for over $4 trillion in new spending with tax hikes on corporations and upper-income households. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss the hurdles Democrats will face trying to pass the proposal.

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Senate Republicans push for $568 billion counteroffer on infrastructure

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 15:39:00 -0000

Senate Republicans unveiled a five-year, $568 billion infrastructure proposal on Thursday that they hope can be a starting point for negotiations with Democrats. Senate Budget Chairman Bernie Sanders says the proposal “goes nowhere near what has to be done to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure.” CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss the disconnect between the parties and the likelihood of this being a bipartisan effort or a package that Democrats have to pass through reconciliation.

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Democrats torn over strategy for passing $2T infrastructure plan

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 15:46:00 -0000

Democrats are struggling to decide whether to pursue a bipartisan infrastructure bill or go it alone through another budget reconciliation process. Some are advocating a two-step strategy that combines both approaches, but skeptics abound as Republicans prepare their own slimmed-down version. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down the current state of play over one of President Biden’s top initiatives.

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Boosting domestic spending

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 16:32:00 -0000

The Biden administration on Friday released its wish list for discretionary spending for fiscal 2022. The proposal would boost non-defense spending by 16 percent and defense spending by 1.7 percent over current funding levels. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss the details of the plan, the winners and the losers.

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Why a $2 trillion infrastructure plan is a heavy lift

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 16:27:00 -0000

The Biden administration says its $2 trillion infrastructure plan would boost the economy, fight climate change and address racial inequity. But Republicans are already pushing back, arguing that an increase in taxes to pay for the measure would slow down the economy. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss the ins and outs of the bill and the likelihood of it being a bipartisan effort versus Democrats going through the reconciliation process.

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White House set to unveil budget framework

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 15:57:08 -0000

The Biden administration is set to share an outline of a fiscal 2022 discretionary budget request next week, kicking off the annual budget and appropriations process. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt break down what to expect from it and how it will impact the budget and appropriations process.

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The return of earmarks in Congress

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 15:06:43 -0000

The House Republican Conference will allow its members to submit earmark requests, ending a decade-old prohibition. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss whether Senate Republicans will follow suit and what earmarks mean for the appropriations process.

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House to vote on Senate-amended coronavirus bill

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 16:28:00 -0000

The House is set to vote on the revised $1.9 trillion COVID-19 aid bill as soon as Wednesday with the votes expected be on party lines. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss the changes to the bill, the timeline for its passage and what this means for the Democrats fight against poverty.

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Senate to take up $1.9 trillion aid bill

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 16:47:35 -0000

Now that the House has passed President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus aid bill, the Senate will take it up this week in what is likely to be a party-line vote. But the Senate may make changes to the bill, such as scrapping an increase to a $15 minimum wage and shifting $350 billion for states and localities. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down the latest on the bill and look ahead to the upcoming vote-a-rama in the Senate.

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Tanden in hot water over confirmation

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 17:19:38 -0000

Neera Tanden, the nominee to lead the Office of Management and Budget, is facing an uphill battle to get confirmed after multiple senators, including West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin III, came out against her nomination. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down where the opposition comes from, what her chances of getting confirmed are and who would be a likely replacement if the White House can’t get enough votes to confirm her.

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Teeing up COVID-19 relief package for debate next week

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 16:26:20 -0000

The House Budget Committee is set to assemble the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package this week through the budget reconciliation process. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Paul M. Krawzak discuss the latest around the relief measure and look ahead to other parts of the reconciliation process.

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House Democrats tinker with $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 17:15:00 -0000

House Democrats are barreling ahead with the budget reconciliation process, with committees spending the week marking up their portions of President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan. But major changes are coming — with tax rebate checks aimed at lower-income households and additional aid for restaurants and airlines. And a Congressional Budget Office price tag of $54 billion for the $15 minimum wage proposal puts that provision at risk. CQ Roll Call’s Peter Cohn and David Lerman discuss the latest on the COVID-19 relief package.

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Can the $618 billion GOP relief plan push the needle on bipartisanship?

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 16:51:00 -0000

Ten Republican senators released a $618 billion COVID-19 relief plan before meeting with President Joe Biden on Monday. Their alternative package cuts many Democratic priorities. Meanwhile, Democrats released a budget resolution to fast-track their COVID-19 relief bill through the budget reconciliation process — a move House Republicans are expected to reject. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss how these recent moves will affect the chances of bipartisan cooperation on COVID-19 relief.

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Biden weighs strategy for COVID-19 relief

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 17:22:54 -0000

Republicans are already signaling that they don’t support the Biden administration’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan, potentially forcing Democrats to pass it through budget reconciliation. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss the state of COVID-19 aid talks, how this is President Biden’s first big test and the timetable Republicans have to strike a bipartisan deal.

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The Biden administration goes big on COVID-19 relief

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 15:57:46 -0000

The Biden administration has put forth a $1.9 trillion proposal for COVID-19 relief. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down what is in the proposal and talk about what the trajectory is for passing the bill.

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How does budget reconciliation work?

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 16:23:04 -0000

With slim majorities in the House and Senate, Democrats are likely going to rely heavily on budget reconciliation to pass major legislation. What is budget reconciliation and how does it work? CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt break it down.

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New House rules loosen fiscal restraints

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 15:57:03 -0000

The House adopted its rules package for the 117th Congress on Monday. The rules remove fiscal constraints on deficit-increasing legislation as long as it is related to the COVID-19 response or climate change. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss what the rules change means and the rift it exposes between moderate and progressive Democrats.

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Congress clears omnibus spending package with coronavirus relief

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 17:13:56 -0000

CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss the $1.4 trillion spending package, breaking down what’s in it and where the $900 billion in COVID-19 relief is going.

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Will COVID-19 aid be contained in the government spending package?

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 16:37:44 -0000

Lawmakers are close to releasing text on a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending package which keep the government funded for the next year. But despite hope that COVID-19 relief might be a part of the spending package, key stumbling blocks still remain. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss the state of the spending package and what stumbling blocks lay ahead for a deal on COVID-19 relief.

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Bumps in the road for $908 billion bipartisan COVID-19 aid deal

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 16:40:00 -0000

The $908 billion bipartisan plan for COVID-19 aid, which left many optimistic of a deal last week, is now being held up again over the fine print. Among the chief concerns for both parties are liability protections for businesses and state and local aid. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss where the parties stand on the issues holding up COVID-19 aid and when we could expect a deal.

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Nominee for White House OMB, Neera Tanden, comes under fire by GOP

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 16:04:00 -0000

President-elect Joe Biden has selected Neera Tanden to be White House budget director. She would be the first woman of color to oversee the Office of Management and Budget. As a former Clinton aide and president of the Center for American Progress, Tanden is stirring up opposition from the GOP and even the far left, and she just may be the first Biden nominee to have an uphill battle to get confirmed. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss why that is, where she lands on the political spectrum and more.

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Democrats eager to revive earmarks

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 16:14:09 -0000

House Democrats are planning on bringing back earmarks at the start of the next Congress. What does that mean for the appropriations process? CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss and look at the House Appropriations Chairwoman race.

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COVID-19 relief and omnibus spending bill face long odds

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 16:54:38 -0000

The odds are seemingly against a robust COVID-19 relief package and omnibus appropriations bill passing during the lame-duck session. What does this mean for fiscal 2021? CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss the partisan disagreements and what they mean.

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How the transition of power may affect spending

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 16:43:42 -0000

President-elect Joe Biden is beginning his transition into the White House, but President Trump continues to contest the outcome of the election, threatening legal action in key states that have been called for Biden. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and Niels Lesniewski game out how the transition will affect the appropriations process during the lame duck

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How will a strong showing from Republicans this election affect the budget process?

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 21:01:00 -0000

While votes are still being counted in close races, Democrats are beginning to grapple with the likelihood of a narrow House majority and continued Republican control of the Senate. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt talks with House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth, D-Ky., about how the election results will impact next year’s budget process.

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How the election may impact the spending process

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 16:06:10 -0000

CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt explain the various ways the election outcomes could impact the appropriations process during the lame duck session and the next couple of years.

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Pre-election deadline looms for coronavirus aid deal

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 15:18:00 -0000

Congressional leaders and the White House must reach agreement on a coronavirus aid deal Tuesday if they want it to become law before Election Day. But Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin still have several unresolved items to work out and internal disagreements amongst Republicans threaten success. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss the latest in the negotiations.

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Republicans and Trump at odds over coronavirus relief

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 17:59:00 -0000

President Donald Trump and GOP leaders are at odds over how much COVID-19 aid the government should spend with Trump saying he wants negotiators to “go big” while Senate Republicans pursue a smaller bill. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss why Republicans and the Trump administration are moving in opposite directions as well as the signs of fracturing within the Democratic Party.

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Could we see the return of earmarks?

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 15:39:18 -0000

After years of scandal, Congress banned earmarks in 2011. But growing bipartisan support for congressionally directed spending could could lead to a return as soon as January. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss what lawmakers are proposing and how politics will impact the talks.

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Democrats release new COVID-19 relief bill

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 15:50:00 -0000

As part of a last-ditch effort to secure new COVID-19 aid before the presidential election, House Democrats released a $2.2 trillion COVID-19 relief package on Monday night. But does it move the needle on COVID-19 relief negotiations? CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss.

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House Democrats draft stopgap funding bill without Republican support

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 15:55:00 -0000

With only days remaining in the current fiscal year, congressional leaders are struggling to pass a stopgap funding measure to avoid a partial government shutdown. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman explain how a partisan dispute over farm payments threatens to derail progress on the measure.

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Lawmakers navigate politics in tackling a stopgap funding measure

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 15:55:00 -0000

Congress needs a continuing resolution to avoid a partial government shutdown next month. But how long should government operate on a stopgap? CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt explain the political implications behind the duration of a stopgap, as well as the likelihood of any coronavirus relief in the near future.

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Debt levels set to break records

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 12:00:00 -0000

A dire outlook for a ballooning deficit is the latest hit to the U.S. economy, according to new Congressional Budget Office report. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Paul Krawzak break down how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the deficit and look at the bleak future of Social Security and Medicare trust funds.

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Trump forced through some COVID-19 relief. Now what?

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 16:45:59 -0000

President Donald Trump signed a number of executive actions last weekend to provide some COVID-19 aid, including suspending payroll tax collection and adding $300 to $400 in federal unemployment benefits, as negotiators failed to reach agreement on the next relief package. But is it enough? CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and Peter Cohn discuss the executive actions and look at what they might mean for negotiations going forward.

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COVID-19 relief talks progress slowly

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 15:49:35 -0000

Trump administration officials and congressional leaders seem to be making some progress on the next COVID-19 relief bill following more than a week of talks. But key issues remain, including unemployment insurance, schools reopening, and state and local aid. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt break down the recent negotiations, discuss the sticking points and look at where negotiations go from here.

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Senate Republicans release their COVID-19 relief bill. Is it enough?

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 15:14:00 -0000

CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss the latest COVID-19 relief bill from Senate Republicans, breaking down its provisions, disagreements within the GOP and Democrats' criticisms of the package. They also explain how long it could take for negotiators to reach bipartisan agreement.

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COVID-19 aid negotiations ramp up

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 17:25:48 -0000

Republican leaders are expected to unveil what they want in the next COVID-19 aid package this week, targeting small-business loans, money for schools and hospitals, liability protection for employers and another round of tax rebate checks. But while Republicans want their bill to be roughly $1 trillion, Democrats want that much alone for state and local governments, highlighting a disconnect between the two parties. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss what we can expect as negotiations between Democrats and Republicans begin.

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What’s in the Labor-HHS-Education bill for fiscal 2021?

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 16:49:21 -0000

CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss some of the key provisions in the fiscal 2021 Labor-HHS-Education spending bill, including money for emergency funding for public health agencies, reductions to charter school funding and a provision blocking federal funding for abortions in most cases.

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Confederate statues, COVID-19, nuclear testing mark appropriations process

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 15:37:33 -0000

House Democrats have unveiled fiscal 2021 spending bills that amount to an assault on the Trump administration agenda. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt outline the likely partisan clashes looming in the election-year appropriations process and the next round of coronavirus relief.

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COVID-19’s impact on Social Security and Medicare trust funds

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 15:59:00 -0000

An economic recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic means a drop in payroll tax revenues that finance the Social Security and Medicare trust funds. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss how quickly the funds could be depleted and what Congress might do to save them. They also give a preview of the appropriations process that begins in the House next week.

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Breakdown in the Senate appropriations process

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 15:44:52 -0000

Partisan tensions over coronavirus aid and police brutality now threaten to derail the Senate appropriations process, while the House Appropriations Committee prepares for an extremely busy July. David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss what’s changed during the last week and how it’ll impact the appropriations process for months to come.

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Appropriators face busy summer following COVID-19 delays

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 13:00:00 -0000

The annual appropriations process is starting later than normal this year due to coronavirus-related delays. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss what could trip up lawmakers as they begin debate on nearly $1.4 trillion in spending.

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Surprising jobs report could slow next coronavirus aid package

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 17:13:41 -0000

A modest decline in unemployment last month gave Republicans fresh ammunition to slow the timing and scale back the size of the next relief package. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss the complicated negotiations still to come as the Trump administration pushes more targeted aid and Democrats seek more robust relief.

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Disparity between police and fire departments over virus aid

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 17:16:27 -0000

Police and fire departments were promised millions of dollars in aid as part of a coronavirus relief package passed in March. While police grants are flowing, firefighters have yet to see a dime. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt explain the disparity in aid delivery and how it could be changed.

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The cost of battling multiple disasters

Wed, 27 May 2020 19:14:00 -0000

Emergency relief agencies, already stretched thin by the corornavirus, are bracing for above-average hurricane and wildfire seasons. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss the financial and logistical challenges of responding to natural disasters in the age of COVID-19.

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The House passed a $3 trillion aid package. Now what?

Mon, 18 May 2020 17:00:00 -0000

The House narrowly passed a $3 trillion aid package late Friday, but Senate Republicans are already calling it dead on arrival. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss what’s next for the largest aid package so far.

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House Democrats set the bar for the next coronavirus relief bill

Wed, 13 May 2020 17:26:56 -0000

House Democrats on Tuesday released their proposal for the fifth coronavirus relief bill. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss what’s in the $3 trillion bill, how the legislation sets a starting point for future negotiations with Republicans and why progressives aren’t happy with the package.

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A long road ahead for the next coronavirus relief bill

Tue, 05 May 2020 17:09:08 -0000

With debate heating up on a new relief package, CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss what both parties want in it and how partisan disputes on key priorities might drag out negotiations.

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The US may be heading into one of the worst recessions in history

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 17:38:00 -0000

The COVID-19 pandemic is sending shockwaves throughout the U.S. economy. The Congressional Budget Office’s latest projections show economic output plunging, while unemployment and federal deficits soar. So how bad could the economy get? And what does it mean for the shape of future coronavirus relief measures? CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss.

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Congress reaches agreement for a fourth relief bill, but is it enough?

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 15:26:19 -0000

After a long two weeks of negotiating, Congress reached agreement on the next round of aid for the coronavirus pandemic. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman break down what’s in the deal and what’s missing from it, before looking ahead to the next relief bill, which will likely prove divisive.

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Congress struggles to find a solution for small business funding

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 15:51:00 -0000

Lawmakers are at odds over when and how to provide $251 billion in additional funding for the forgivable small business loan program known as the Paycheck Protection Program. Financial services reporter Jim Saksa joins us to discuss the latest on that funding as well as the fourth coronavirus relief package.

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Congressional leaders lay down markers for fourth relief package

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 17:46:23 -0000

CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss ongoing negotiations for a fourth aid package to address the health care and economic impacts of COVID-19. They break down Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s proposal, where Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants additional funding to go and the logistical difficulties of bringing lawmakers back to vote.

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What happens to the appropriations process now?

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 17:21:33 -0000

With COVID-19 legislation taking up all the oxygen on Capitol Hill and lawmakers largely out of town during April, typical appropriations routines have been put on hold. Budget tracker David Lerman and budget and appropriations reporter Jennifer Shutt explain where normal business stands and what could happen as the pandemic continues — especially with another stimulus bill in the works.

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Coronavirus emergency funding is just getting started

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 19:41:19 -0000

Funding for managing the coronavirus has been passed and signed by President Trump, but it appears to be just the beginning as the virus impacts more people. CQ Roll Call health care reporter Andrew Siddons joins the podcast to talk about how the money will be used, and what additional steps Congress might take to stimulate the economy and help those hit by the virus.

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Union pension funds trigger congressional rescue efforts

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0000

The Teamsters union’s largest pension fund is famous for appearing as a cash cow for mobsters in movies, most recently "The Irishman," but the reality is the fund is running out of money. CQ Roll Call reporter Doug Sword joins the podcast to explain why the shrinking fund and the projected insolvency of the federal backstop has lawmakers on both sides of the aisle working to find a solution for retirees.

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Candidates already jockeying to lead House Appropriations Committee

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 17:36:52 -0000

The race to succeed Nita M. Lowey, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, is already underway. Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman discuss the three official contenders, their experiences on various subcommittees and why discussions are happening so far in advance of the 117th Congress.

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Military weapons funding takes hit for border wall

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 18:35:29 -0000

Military projects championed by key Republican lawmakers will lose $3.8 billion in funding under a Trump administration proposal to divert it to border wall construction. CQ Roll Call senior defense reporter John Donnelly joins Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman to talk about the future of the programs and the effect on the lawmakers representing the districts that would be impacted.

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Top takeaways from Trump's latest budget proposal

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 19:00:49 -0000

The president unveiled his fiscal 2021 budget request Monday. In this episode, we share our key takeaways and some caveats: it's a budget released by a president up for re-election, and it's very challenging for any budget to make it through Congress without significant changes. Plus, we analyze opportunities that have bipartisan support, but a slim chance of implementation.

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Infrastructure week is back again

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 22:32:14 -0000

House Democrats are making another attempt to pass a big infrastructure spending program, and both parties say they want one. But they've been saying that for years now and there’s been no real progress. So what’s this latest effort about? Jessica Wehrman, transportation and infrastructure reporter for CQ Roll Call joins the podcast to explain what's going on.

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The most wonderful time of the year: budget forecast release week

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 19:22:00 -0000

The House has returned from recess and the impeachment trial continues on, but that's not what has David and Jenn the most excited — they're ready for the Congressional Budget Office to release its annual budget forecast. Jenn and David share their predictions. Plus, earmarks could make a comeback. Jenn explains what's going on.

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Congress faces narrow spending increase as VA health care costs balloon

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 20:20:17 -0000

There is no room for big increases in FY 2021 appropriations bills, even though veterans health care faces much higher costs. CQ Roll Call reporter Jennifer Shutt joins the podcast to explain where the spending bills are going to be squeezed.

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Previewing the appropriations process in 2020

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 19:50:37 -0000

CQ Roll Call reporter Jennifer Shutt joins the podcast to share her predictions on what we can expect from the year to come in the appropriations process. Despite a deal on overall spending limits, election campaign pressures may force another delay in getting appropriations passed on time. We'll also examine a little-noticed provision in a funding bill from last year that has widened a fight among victims of terrorism seeking access to a federal compensation fund.

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Talking Taxes 2020

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 17:46:25 -0000

Tax reporter Doug Sword sits down with guest host Jennifer Shutt to explain why Congress added so many tax bills to a massive spending package and what exactly those provisions will mean during the upcoming year. CQ Budget delves into what didn't make it into the package and predicts how far those provisions will advance in 2020.

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Year-end spending deal avoids government shutdown

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 17:46:13 -0000

With fiscal 2020 appropriations finally complete, CQ Roll Call's budget and tax editor Peter Cohn explains what got funded, what it means, and what lies in store for next year.

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Lawmakers appear eager to reach year-end spending deal

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 21:00:47 -0000

A big week in appropriations could end a months-long partisan stalemate on federal funding. Appropriations and congressional leaders are scrambling to negotiate a year-end spending package to fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year. Also on this episode, we discuss some developments on health care as a few bills move through that could overhaul medicare and drug pricing. CQ Roll Call budget and tax editor Peter Cohn joins the podcast to explain what needs to happen before the recess on the spending deal, which drug pricing bill the White House supports and more.

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The outlook for a year-end tax bill

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 21:02:08 -0000

There’s been talk for months about plans for a year-end package that would extend more than two dozen popular tax breaks that have expired or are expiring. If something’s going to happen, it’s got to happen soon, because there are only three weeks left before the holiday recess. Tax reporter Doug Sword joins the podcast to explain what the outlook is for a year-end tax bill.

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Congress barreling toward agreement on stopgap funding measure, avoiding a shutdown before holiday

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 19:29:49 -0000

The impeachment hearings are getting all the attention, but there's other big news on the Hill this week. Congress must fund the government by Thursday to avoid a government shut down. At this point, it seems like everyone is on board, our guest this week says, even President Donald Trump. CQ Roll Call's budget and tax editor Peter Cohn joins the podcast to explain what has to be done to avoid the shutdown and the possibility of spending allocations for the delayed appropriations bills for this fiscal year.

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Senate budget writers offer up a revamped budget process

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 02:34:45 -0000

The Senate Budget Committee drafted legislation for an overhaul of the broken budget process that includes a move toward biennial budgets. But any change is still an uphill fight, as Paul M. Krawzak and Kate Ackley explain.

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Congress struggles to agree on funding as November deadline looms

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 21:46:36 -0000

Congress needs to reach agreement on a second continuing resolution before funding runs out on Nov. 21 to avoid a partial government shutdown. But that deadline is going to be difficult to meet. Senior budget reporter Paul M. Krawzak joins the podcast this week to explain where the funding process is now, how the timeline could unfold and the policy issues that continue to split the House and the Senate.

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Budget deficit nears the $1 trillion mark

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 20:33:00 -0000

The fiscal 2019 deficit was up 26 percent over the 2018 level. Paul M. Krawzak unpacks what accounts for the rising red ink.

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Bipartisan cooperation put to the test in Senate

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 21:28:00 -0000

Senate leaders hope to break a weeks-long stalemate by pushing long-delayed spending bills to the floor for votes this week. But the effort will test the ability of the two parties to cooperate when a funding dispute over a border wall still rages, as senior budget reporter Paul M. Krawzak explains.

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Power struggle over the House Appropriations Committee

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 19:35:00 -0000

Last week, the House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman, Democrat Nita Lowey of New York, announced she will be retiring from Congress at the end of her term. And that decision immediately set off what could be a contentious battle to succeed her. Why is Lowey stepping down from a position she sought for so long to obtain?

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Averting a government shutdown

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 19:16:58 -0000

The Senate takes up a stopgap funding measure to avoid a government shutdown next month. But the continuing resolution does a lot more than just extend current funding.

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Why partisan spending allocations spell trouble for the appropriations process

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 18:15:30 -0000

After months of delay, Senate appropriators finally got to work on their spending bills for the new fiscal year, which begins in just two weeks. But it was a slower start than lawmakers had hoped for, and unlike last year’s effort, it was deeply partisan. The Appropriations Committee approved its overall spending limits for each of its 12 bills, but it wasn’t pretty. Where do they go from here?

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Can Congress avoid a shutdown?

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 18:50:27 -0000

Congress is finally back in town after a long summer recess and the race is on to avoid a government shutdown before the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. Not one of the 12 annual spending bills needed to fund the government has cleared the Senate yet and there are only three weeks to go. CQ Budget has a preview of what's to come.

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Friction over diverted disaster aid ahead of Hurricane Dorian

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 08:00:00 -0000

Even though Congress is still in a prolonged summer recess, spending battles between the White House and Congress have only been multiplying. The Trump administration plans to divert money from disaster relief and other programs to fund more immigration detention beds and some immigration court facilities - and a lot of senior appropriators aren’t happy about it.

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Tax cuts: Four flips in four days.

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 09:00:00 -0000

With worries about a possible recession in the near future, the Trump administration has thrown around the idea of implementing new tax cuts to help stimulate the economy, only to flip flop on the idea multiple times later on. Specifically, the administration has flipped on two types of tax cuts - capital gains indexing, which is favored by Republican senators, and payroll taxes. With the Democrats in control in the House, host Jennifer Shutt sits down with tax reporter Doug Sword to discuss some of the bills that are being discussed and where the party might come together with Republicans in the Senate on compromises.

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ICYMI: The Democrats' tax package explained

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 09:00:00 -0000

House Democrats are pushing new changes to the tax code aimed at helping low income individuals and families, with some lawmakers calling for an increase to the corporate tax rate. In this episode, CQ Roll Call's Doug Sword explains who stands to gain and lose.

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CQ Roll Call Analysis: Lower spending, deficits partially due to budget control law

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 09:00:00 -0000

CQ Roll Call's Budget Editor Peter Cohn combed through the numbers since Congress passed the Budget Control Act of 2011 and found something remarkable: the spending caps produced some results but most of the savings were because of factors out of Congress' hands.

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Two tax battles await Congress in September

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 18:43:14 -0000

Senate Democrats are preparing to fight the Trump administration over a $10,000 limit on deductions for state and local taxes, says CQ Roll Call's budget and tax editor Peter Cohn. And some conservatives are pressing the White House to bypass Congress to index capital gains taxes to inflation, in a move that would cut taxes for wealthy stock owners.

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What the two-year budget deal means for federal spending

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 19:05:42 -0000

With a new budget deal about to become law, CQ Roll Call senior budget reporter Paul M. Krawzak explains how raising the debt limit and raising the spending levels will shape government budget decisions this fall and the year to come. With overall spending limits set, the House will have to revisit the 10 spending bills it has already passed and find $15 billion to cut.

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Budget, debt limit deal nears completion, and rescuing union pensions

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 20:19:14 -0000

Congress is racing to complete work on some big-ticket items before adjourning for the August recess. CQ Roll Call's budget and appropriations reporter Kellie Mejdrich reports on a deal in the works to extend the debt limit and set spending levels for two years. And finance reporter Doug Sword explains why the House plans to vote on a bill to shore up struggling pension plans. Meanwhile, the Senate plans to give final approval of a permanent compensation fund for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

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Debt limit talks pick up pace and tax credit bonanza

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 19:28:42 -0000

With new warnings that the U.S. could run out of money to meet its obligations, Congress and the Trump administration are racing to raise the debt limit before lawmakers head home for August, says CQ Roll Call’s appropriations reporter Jennifer Shutt. And tax reporter Doug Sword explains how oil refiners could get up to a $10 billion windfall with an expired tax credit unless Congress intervenes.

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Why there's no Senate spending plan as deadline nears

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 21:04:17 -0000

With only 25 days left with both the House and Senate in session before the new fiscal year begins, the Senate has yet to draft any of its 12 spending bills and has no plan in place to pass them. The result is likely another short-term stopgap funding measure as congressional leaders struggle to reach a bipartisan deal on overall spending limits. CQ Roll Call's chief budget reporter Paul M. Krawzak explains why Congress has reached this point.

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Financial Services bill loaded with hot-button issues may signal trouble ahead

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:20:20 -0000

House Democrats passed the Financial Services spending bill that includes some controversial provisions, says CQ Roll Call's banking reporter Jim Saksa. Those include blocking money for a border wall, increasing funding to enforce sanctions on Iran, and allowing the District of Columbia to fund abortions.

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The Democrats' tax package explained

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 19:10:16 -0000

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The politics behind spending limit negotiations

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 18:41:46 -0000

As White House and congressional leaders prepare for another meeting this week to get a bipartisan spending caps deal, CQ Roll Call's Paul M. Krawzak unpacks the political sticking points, the pros and cons of a one-year or two-year agreement, and other potential obstacles.

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Democrats' Spending Bill Strategy

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 15:25:14 -0000

House Democrats are packaging spending bills with the aim of completing all 12 by the end of the month, a goal that is likely to generate a lot of policy debates and amendments, explains Jennifer Shutt in this episode of the CQ Budget podcast. The first package contains five bills including the two largest, Defense and Labor-HHS-Education.

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Ex CBO director knocks GOP on Obamacare and Congress for rising deficits

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 18:36:55 -0000

In an usually candid interview with CQ Roll Call's budget reporter Paul Krawzak, the ex Congressional Budget Office director Keith Hall said the often secretive process the Republicans followed defeated their effort to repeal Obamacare in 2017. He also urged Congress to deal with the rising deficits that will fall on the backs of younger Americans, saying that in the coming decade 50 percent of federal funding will be spent on just 20 percent of the population — people who are 65 and older.

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House to consider disaster aid again after GOP Rep. Roy deals setback

Tue, 28 May 2019 09:00:00 -0000

House lawmakers on Tuesday again will try to clear a $19.1 billion disaster aid package via unanimous consent after Republican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas blocked it Friday for a variety of reasons; delaying much needed funds for states still recovering from natural disasters.

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Taliban money and fighter jets at issue in Pentagon's $690 billion bill

Mon, 20 May 2019 17:10:00 -0000

House appropriators this week will take up the biggest of the 12 annual spending bills, the $690 billion Pentagon measure that includes some prickly issues such as funding for Taliban expenses for peace talks with the U.S. and money to give the Pentagon more F-35 fighter jets than it requested, says CQ Roll Call's senior defense reporter John M. Donnelly. He lays out what is likely to happen to the measure that assumes higher spending levels for fiscal 2020.

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Stalemate over disaster aid frustrates states

Mon, 13 May 2019 17:53:28 -0000

Lawmakers are struggling to find agreement on an aid package to help states recover from natural disasters, says CQ Roll Call's budget and appropriations reporter Kellie Mejdrich. She lays out the issues preventing Congress from passing a disaster aid package.

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Why Trump, Chuck and Nancy face huge hurdles in infrastructure spending plan

Mon, 06 May 2019 16:24:41 -0000

CQ budget and appropriations editor Peter Cohn games out the prospects of the ambitious $2 trillion infrastructure spending package touted by President Trump, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer. And we preview the week ahead in the appropriations process.

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Appropriations Season Begins and the Future of Social Security

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 18:16:46 -0000

The writing of fiscal 2020 spending bills begins with the biggest nondefense measure, Labor-HHS-Education. CQ's health care reporter Andrew Siddons previews the bill and the partisan fights it triggers, including on gun violence research. And CQ's tax and finance reporter Doug Sword unpacks the new data on the future of Social Security.

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Progressives Power Play:Pentagon-Level Spending for Nondefense Programs

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 09:00:00 -0000

CQ Roll Call's appropriations reporter Kellie Mejdrich unpacks the demands and possible consequences of the Democratic party's progressives, who last week derailed plans to vote on raising the spending caps to prevent across-the-board spending cuts next fiscal year.

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Sen. Grassley Sees Chance to Pass Infrastructure, Drug Price Legislation

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 16:40:50 -0000

CQ Budget and appropriations editor Peter Cohn sat down with Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, one of the longest and most influential members of Congress. Grassley says that he sees a good opportunity to work with Democrats on several bipartisan initiatives including on an expansive infrastructure bill and reducing drug prices.

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Divided Democrats May Forgo a Budget Resolution

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 21:20:31 -0000

The House Budget Committee may punt on a fiscal 2020 budget resolution to avoid exposing Democratic caucus fissures over tax and spending policy. But an effort to reach a deal to raise spending limits for the coming fiscal year could prove just as dicey, as Lindsey McPherson explains.

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The Crime Victims Fund Is Not Just for Victims

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 16:46:08 -0000

A fund designed to help crime victims is also used by lawmakers as an annual budgetary gimmick to help pay for other programs. But the victims fund is starting to run dry, making appropriations decisions tougher, as our tax and fiscal policy reporter Doug Sword explains.

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How Congress Might Rewrite Trump's Budget

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 09:00:00 -0000

The president has proposed deep cuts to planned spending in Medicare and Medicaid, while trying to uphold austere limits on nondefense discretionary spending. But Congress is already talking about a rewrite. CQ's Kellie Mejdrich explains what lawmakers might have in mind.

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Spending Deal at Mercy of Trump Budget, Debt Limit and Border Money

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 15:00:00 -0000

President Donald Trump's fiscal 2020 budget request, due out next week, is likely to skirt a defense spending cap to boost the military while proposing deep cuts to nondefense programs. CQ's Paul M. Krawzak explains how the White House blueprint is sure to trigger a new showdown over spending limits, along with the need to increase the debt limit and the continuing battle over border wall funds.

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Breaking a Trust to Build the Wall

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 17:46:39 -0000

CQ's award-winning defense reporter John M. Donnelly revealed that a Pentagon fund that President Donald Trump wants to use to pay for his wall is nearly depleted, forcing him to look elsewhere in the Pentagon budget for the money. Trump appears poised to break tradition and bypass Congress in this money transfer, and Donnelly says that "would tear a hole in the fabric of cooperation between the White House and the Congress.''

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Trump Ignites New Budget Fights by Targeting Pentagon Programs

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 10:00:00 -0000

CQ defense reporter John M. Donnelly spells out how President Donald Trump's emergency action to raid Pentagon accounts to pay for a border wall could affect military facilities and programs already stretched thin.

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Down to the Wire Amid Setback in Government Funding Talks

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 17:27:08 -0000

A new snag over immigrant detention policy has thrown a monkey wrench into border security negotiations, as lawmakers look to prevent another government shutdown. CQ appropriations reporter Kellie Mejdrich explains what both sides are seeking and how the Trump administration is softening its demand on border wall funding.

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Congress' Border Wall Funding Emergency

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 21:30:33 -0000

Congressional negotiators are working to reach bipartisan agreement on a Homeland Security spending bill that can fend off another shutdown and thwart President Donald Trump's threat of declaring a national emergency, CQ appropriations reporter Kellie Mejdrich tells co-host Jennifer Shutt.

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Congress Looks to Avert Another Shutdown

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 17:51:19 -0000

CQ budget and appropriations reporters Kellie Mejdrich and Jennifer Shutt unpack what could happen in the next three weeks as lawmakers and the White House wrestle with how to prevent another government shutdown in three weeks.

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Shutdown Could Cost Federal Workers Second Paycheck

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 17:46:00 -0000

The House and Senate are poised to consider legislation that could end the partial government shutdown — if the competing bills had any chance of passing both chambers, explains CQ budget and appropriations reporter Kellie Mejdrich. Listen for the latest details on how lawmakers are greeting President Donald Trump's immigration-related offer.

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Assessing the Bleak Options for Ending the Shutdown

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 18:00:00 -0000

As the longest shutdown in modern history enters its fourth week, CQ's fiscal policy reporter Doug Sword assesses the options for ending the spending impasse. But none appear promising, as President Donald Trump rejected the latest proposals.

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How Shutdown Will Sting Across the Board

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 18:06:00 -0000

Within days of the government shutdown setting a record, federal agencies, employees and the general public will begin to feel the pain, says CQ budget and appropriations reporter Kellie Mejdrich. She also gives the latest developments in what is turning out to be a prolonged political battle.

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Hell Week Amid Shutdown Fears

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 10:00:00 -0000

There is no plan at the moment to prevent a partial government shutdown at the end of the week over President Donald Trump's insistence for $5 billion for a border wall, explains CQ budget reporter Jennifer Shutt. She games out what the options are to fund the government as lawmakers try to guess Trump's next steps.

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Trump's Christmas Wish List: Billions for Wildfire Suppression, Unaccompanied Children

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 10:00:00 -0000

Just when lawmakers thought they had breathing room to hammer out a year-end spending deal, President Donald Trump drops a request for an extra $4.76 billion, technically referred to as anomalies. CQ's budget and appropriations team, Kellie Mejdrich and Paul M. Krawzak explain what's at stake for government spending with co-host Jennifer Shutt.

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Spending Talks About to Hit a Wall, New Tax Plan in Doubt

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 10:00:00 -0000

Lawmakers are racing against the clock to pass seven more spending bills, but their efforts are likely to be a struggle amid President Trump's insistence for $5 billion for the border wall that Democrats don't want to give him, says CQ budget editor Peter Cohn. And CQ tax writer Doug Sword brings us up to date with the latest GOP effort to pass new tax legislation that would renew some tax breaks while making corrections to last year's massive tax overhaul.

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Tax Cuts to Be Revisited, Vows Sen. Van Hollen

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 00:05:00 -0000

This is a special edition podcast to bring you an interview with a key lawmaker, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, about how Democrats will respond to Republican tax cuts.

"When it comes to the tax breaks for millionaires that will definitely be revisited,'' the Maryland Democrat tells CQ's budget and tax editor Peter Cohn.

Van Hollen spoke to Cohn Tuesday a day after House Republicans unveiled a new tax package. The legislation would extend two dozen expired tax breaks, revamp the IRS and offer corrections to last year’s tax code overhaul, among other things.

In a wide-ranging interview, Van Hollen discussed how Democrats will respond to the new tax proposal, how his party may push to obtain President Donald Trump’s tax returns, the prospects for an infrastructure spending package, the impact of the midterm elections and the possibilities for bipartisan cooperation. He spoke at a Roll Call Live Election Impact forum hosted by FiscalNote, CQ’s parent company.

Van Hollen is one of the Democratic party’s best utility players. He’s a seasoned political strategist who has chaired the campaign committees for both House and Senate Democrats. He’s also a policy wonk who is steeped in fiscal policy because of his experience on the House Ways and Means and budget committees, and currently as a Senate appropriator.

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Mueller Probe, Wall Funding Could Trip Up Spending Plan

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 00:03:33 -0000

With just eight legislative days remaining to avoid a partial government shutdown, lawmakers will confront a slew of prickly issues, including Robert S. Mueller III's Russia investigation, in their government spending talks, says CQ's senior budget reporter Paul M. Krawzak. He games out what might happen to the seven pending bills that need to pass by Dec. 7.

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Surprise Roadblock Could Sideline Budget Overhaul Panel

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 10:00:00 -0000

The co-chairwoman of the select committee tasked with overhauling the budget process threw her colleagues a curveball that could derail plans to report out a bill by the Nov. 30 deadline, CQ's senior budget reporter Paul Krawzak tells host Jennifer Shutt. Rep. Nita M. Lowey, D-N.Y., pushed to delay the markup until an agreement is reached between Senate leaders on floor consideration. Democrats are worried about how the bipartisan proposal could be changed by potential amendments in the Senate.

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Democrat to Reshape Priorities on Spending Panel

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 10:00:00 -0000

Democratic Rep. Nita M. Lowey of New York is expected to lead the powerful House appropriations panel in the new Congress and she already has a list of priorities she will be pursuing. CQ's budget and appropriations reporter Kellie Mejdrich gives us a rundown of what those are and where Lowey may find common ground or clash with the Trump administration.

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Committee Charged With Overhauling Budget Process Nears Deadline

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 10:00:00 -0000

A 16-member bipartisan, bicameral select committee is on the verge of proposing changes to the annual budget and appropriations process, including moving the budget resolution from an annual to a biennial schedule. CQ's Jennifer Shutt talks about the select committee's progress with Mike Veselik, manager of the Federal Budget Process Reform Project at Convergence, and Building a Better Budget Process stakeholder Matt Owens, who testified in front of the panel earlier this year.

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How Trump's Imagined Tax Cut Could Work

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 09:00:00 -0000

President Donald Trump wants another tax cut for the middle class, a proposal that administration officials and members of Congress are now scrambling to make happen. CQ budget and appropriations editor Peter Cohn explains the options available and their consequences.

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Despite the Rhetoric, Congress is Unlikely to Tackle Deficit, Entitlements

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 09:00:00 -0000

The rising deficit, the president's request for 5% in budget cuts and discussions of needing to trim Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security set off a storm of debate just three weeks before the midterms. Roll Call's senior Senate reporter Niels Lesniewski, senior CQ budget reporter Paul M. Krawzak and co-host Jennifer Shutt explain why Congress is unlikely to deal with any of it.

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Behind the Interest Rate Increases

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 09:00:00 -0000

Stock market losses and interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve may be making some people jittery especially President Donald Trump. But none of it is abnormal, explains CQ's numbers guru, budget and appropriations editor Peter Cohn.

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Key House Appropriators Face Tough Midterm Elections

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 09:00:00 -0000

Three Republican House Appropriations subcommittee chairmen - Kevin Yoder of Kansas, John Culberson of Texas and John Carter of Texas - face tough re-elections, says Roll Call senior political reporter Bridget Bowman. A loss for Yoder and Culberson would mean that lame-duck lawmakers end up negotiating two vital spending bills — Homeland Security and Commerce-Justice-Science.

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Border Wall Funding Battle Could Dominate Lame Duck

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 09:00:00 -0000

It's not all 12 as they had hoped, but lawmakers did get five big spending bills signed into law, leaving seven others for the lame-duck session. The president's insistence for border wall funding could take center stage, says CQ appropriations reporter Jennifer Shutt.

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Fiscal Year Ends With Unclear Path for Government Funding

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 09:00:00 -0000

With three spending bills signed into law, Congress is unlikely to pass all nine outstanding bills before the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, says CQ appropriations reporter Kellie Mejdrich. Meantime, President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals on whether he would sign an $855 billion spending package the House plans to adopt this week, and talks on another four-bill package remain mired in policy fights.

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Spending Splurge

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 09:00:00 -0000

House and Senate lawmakers made a deal to give the Pentagon a huge spending boost and defy President Donald Trump's call to cut various health, education and labor programs. CQ Defense reporter John M. Donnelly and Health reporter Andrew Siddons unpack the mammoth spending package now making its way through Congress.

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Spending Milestone Within Reach

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 09:00:00 -0000

Congress is racing to pass at least three spending bills as early as this week and is poised to make progress on others, says CQ Budget Tracker editor David Lerman. Time, however, is running out.

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Hurdles to Passing Spending Bills

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 09:00:00 -0000

House and Senate leaders like to brag about their respective chambers' progress on passing spending bills but not one has won final passage, CQ budget and appropriations reporter Kellie Mejdrich says. She unpacks the reasons behind the bottleneck that now includes a new hurdle:President Trump's freeze on federal workers' wages.

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Appropriations Rush Before Midterms

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 09:00:00 -0000

With the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 and midterm elections just around the corner, Republicans hope to pass nine spending bills to tout on the campaign trail. CQ senior budget reporter Paul M. Krawzak explains why that might be a heavy lift.

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Senators Rebuke Trump on Education Funding

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 09:00:00 -0000

The Senate takes up a spending package this week that rejects White House attempts to cut school funding by about 11 percent next year. CQ's Kellie Mejdrich explains the conflict over education priorities between Congress and the White House and which side is likely to prevail.

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Spending Bonanza Heads to Senate Floor

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 09:00:00 -0000

The Senate will attempt to pass the two biggest spending bills of the year in one fell swoop. Consideration of the Defense and Labor-HHS-Education bills could begin this week. CQ's Kellie Mejdrich explains why the package could prove to be a heavy lift.

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Speeding Through Spending Bills

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 09:00:00 -0000

The Senate is racing through spending bills at a breakneck speed with strong bipartisan support, in contrast to its record of recent years. CQ’s Ryan McCrimmon explains how the Senate was able to pick up its pace on appropriations, and why progress could still come to a standstill in September.

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Senate Set to Surpass House

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 09:00:00 -0000

Senate lawmakers will try this week to outdo their House colleagues by passing a four-bill spending package —if they can overcome snags, says CQ appropriations reporter Jennifer Shutt.

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Wall Funding That Isn't Coming From Mexico

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 09:00:00 -0000

House appropriators are set to give President Donald Trump some of the border wall funding he's been seeking, says CQ immigration reporter Dean DeChiaro. He explains what's in the Homeland Security spending bill.

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New Costs for Veterans Health Slow Spending Bill Progress

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 09:00:00 -0000

CQ budget reporter Kellie Mejdrich breaks down why Senate appropriators face stiff opposition from the House and White House over how to pay for a private health care program for veterans.

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How the Summer Spending Stretch Is Shaping Up

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 09:00:00 -0000

Congress returns from its Fourth of July break with expectations that it will tackle a robust spending agenda including the two chambers negotiating the final shape of three spending bills — as lawmakers hope to avoid another 12-bill omnibus. But, there are several challenges ahead both inside and outside of the annual appropriations process. CQ appropriations reporters Ryan McCrimmon and Kellie Mejdrich discuss what the final three months leading into fiscal 2019 hold with guest host Jennifer Shutt.

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Ticking Debt Bomb

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 09:00:00 -0000

The Congressional Budget Office recently issued an alarming report on the nation's debt outlook, which CQ senior budget reporter Paul M. Krawzak says should worry millennials.

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Unexpected Spending Trips Appropriators

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 09:00:00 -0000

The Senate hit some speed bumps in its push last week to pass a package of spending bills including how to pay for private health care for veterans, says CQ appropriations reporter Kellie Mejdrich.

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A Flurry of Budget Activity

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 09:00:00 -0000

CQ budget and appropriations reporter Jennifer Shutt breaks down the various budget measures Congress will take up this week, including the three-bill spending package and a possible House budget resolution to set spending and revenue guidelines for the coming fiscal year.

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Minibus, Rescission Package Go to Senate, But Can They Pass?

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 10:42:20 -0000

The House moved two big appropriations packages — a bundle of spending bills and a measure to cancel almost $15 billion already allocated — but their future remains uncertain amid Democratic opposition.

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Here Come the Minibuses

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 09:00:00 -0000

The House takes up its first package of spending bills — a minibus — for fiscal 2019 this week, while the Appropriations committees continue to mark up their remaining bills ahead of floor action. CQ Budget and Appropriations reporter Ryan McCrimmon and Roll Call Senior Senate reporter Niels Lesniewski explain what the summer holds for appropriations bills in both chambers and how other legislative priorities may impact floor votes.

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Putting Trump's Immigration Crackdown in Context

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 19:21:48 -0000

President Donald Trump's move to criminally prosecute migrants crossing the border illegally, and to separate them from their children, aims to end the longstanding practice of releasing immigrants into the country, pending deportation, says CQ immigration reporter Dean DeChiaro. Trump's also boosting enforcement inside the country, but sanctuary city policies are impeding his efforts, explains Ariel Ruiz Soto of the Migration Policy Institute.

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House-Senate Tussle Over Spending Bills

Tue, 29 May 2018 09:00:00 -0000

Lawmakers know how much money they can have for the 12 spending bills but the House wants to give a huge chunk of it for Homeland Security, leaving no room for any increase to the Labor-HHS-Education bill, says CQ Budget and Appropriations editor Peter Cohn. He adds that the spending bill could even see huge cuts if the proposed $15 billion package to claw back money already allocated passes.

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Potential Hiccups to the Interior-Environment Spending Bill

Mon, 21 May 2018 09:00:00 -0000

The House Appropriations Committee takes up a spending bill to provide fiscal 2019 funding for the Interior Department and the EPA—attracting riders from lawmakers that could waylay the legislation. CQ energy and environment reporter Jeremy Dillon explains what's going on.

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Children's Insurance Program Sparks Divisions in Rescission Package

Mon, 14 May 2018 09:00:00 -0000

CQ appropriations reporter Jennifer Shutt outlines the obstacles lawmakers could face in advancing the Trump administration's proposal to claw back $15 billion from previously approved spending.

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First House Spending Bills Address #MeToo, Marijuana, Gitmo and More

Mon, 07 May 2018 09:00:00 -0000

It's not a joke! House appropriators are starting to mark up two spending bills this week. CQ appropriations reporter Kellie Mejdrich breaks down what's in the Military Construction-VA title, while reporter Katherine Tully-McManus unpacks the Legislative Branch bill that funds all that keeps Congress going.

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Spending Bill Strategy

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 09:00:00 -0000

Republican lawmakers are hoping to be able to pass several of the 12 spending bills before the 2019 fiscal year begins Oct. 1. CQ appropriations reporter Jennifer Shutt explains how that might work.

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GOP Farm Bill Targets Food Stamps, Heads for House Vote

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 11:00:00 -0000

On the heels of Republican leaders calling for cuts to entitlement programs, a GOP-written farm bill is headed to the House for a vote, angering Democrats who charge they were left out of the process and as a result millions of low-income people could lose food aid. CQ agriculture reporter Ellyn Ferguson explains those dynamics.

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Pitfalls Under New Tax Law

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 09:00:00 -0000

With tax day on Tuesday, CQ budget and tax editor Peter Cohn takes a look at the impact the new tax law will have on individual taxpayers and the broader economy. Republican proponents say the tax overhaul will spur economic growth, but it is likely to also boost the country's debt and catch some taxpayers off guard, explains Cohn.

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Back to the Future for the 2018 Spending Bill

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 09:00:00 -0000

Republican lawmakers and President Donald Trump are mulling going back to the 2018 omnibus and cutting programs already funded by the spending bill in a possible effort to assuage their political base, says CQ budget editor Peter Cohn. He explains the steps lawmakers would need to take to make that happen.

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The GOP's About-Face on Deficits

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 09:00:00 -0000

Democrats say the GOP is being hypocritical to call for a balanced budget amendment after passing legislation that skyrocketed the deficit. CQ appropriations reporter Ryan McCrimmon unpacks what's behind the GOP's drive.

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Fiscal 2019 Holds Same Old Problems

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 09:00:00 -0000

The fiscal 2018 omnibus is finally law. But, Congress is
already prepping to take on the fiscal 2019 appropriations process.
Despite optimism, meeting the Oct. 1 fiscal year deadline will be an
uphill climb, says CQ appropriations reporter Jennifer Shutt.

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Top Appropriators Seek Hometown Cash as Shutdown Threat Nears

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 09:00:00 -0000

CQ appropriations reporters Kellie Mejdrich and Ryan McCrimmon explain how a committee chairmanship can pay off in more ways than one and why Republicans are once again talking about another round of tax cuts.

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Abortion Rift Slows Spending Bill Progress

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 09:00:00 -0000

CQ budget and appropriations reporter Jennifer Shutt explains how the latest negotiations to arrive at a fiscal 2018 catchall spending bill have been mired over funding that could reach Planned Parenthood, always a contentious issue for lawmakers. Also, Congress considers changing the start of the fiscal year.

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The Policy Fights That Could Upend Final 2018 Spending Bill

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 10:00:00 -0000

With half of fiscal year 2018 already behind them, lawmakers are struggling with a catch-all spending bill to fund the rest of the year, but controversial issues popping up — from gun control legislation to the border wall — could cripple talks, says CQ budget and appropriations reporter Ryan McCrimmon.

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Guns, Immigration Could Trip Up Long-Awaited 2018 Spending Plan

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 10:00:00 -0000

CQ budget and appropriations reporter Ryan McCrimmon previews what lawmakers are likely to include in a catch-all fiscal 2018 spending bill and the issues that could spark controversy.

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Trump Budget Could Conflict With Spending Plans

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 10:00:00 -0000

Roll Call senior Senate reporter Niels Lesniewski and CQ appropriations reporter Jennifer Shutt preview the Trump administration's fiscal 2019 budget request, which is being released just days after Congress passed a $153 billion increase to next year's discretionary spending cap.

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Another Stopgap Coming as Congress Readies to Spend, Spend, Spend

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 10:00:00 -0000

Negotiations to keep the government funded beyond Feb. 8 are underway, as lawmakers prepare to add even more to the nation's credit card, say CQ's senior budget reporter Paul M. Krawzak and appropriations reporter Jennifer Shutt. Also, the race heats up for the next chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

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Hoping to Avoid Another Shutdown

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 10:00:00 -0000

CQ appropriations reporter Jennifer Shutt talks about the various hurdles lawmakers will need to overcome to prevent another government shutdown.

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Shutdown Scramble

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 10:00:00 -0000

CQ Budget Tracker Editor David Lerman has the latest on the government shutdown and why Senate lawmakers are at an impasse.

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Inching Toward a Spending Spree

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 10:00:00 -0000

CQ budget reporter Paul M. Krawzak explains the negotiations to lift the budget caps by as much as $250 billion over two years.

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Congress' Spending Quagmire

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 10:00:00 -0000

The Budget Tracker Extra Podcast is now CQ Budget. New look but same great show.

CQ's budget and appropriations reporter Ryan McCrimmon explains the obstacles faced by lawmakers to lifting the spending caps and agreeing to a long-term budget deal.

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The Long and Winding Road to A Spending Deal

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 10:00:00 -0000

CQ budget and appropriations editor Peter Cohn explains why a long-running standoff over spending limits is complicating passage of a stopgap measure needed to avoid a government shutdown come Christmas.

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Defense, Domestic Budget Increases Crucial for Long-Term Spending Deal

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 10:00:00 -0000

CQ appropriations reporters Kellie Mejdrich and Jennifer Shutt discuss the two-week spending bill that averted a government shutdown and look at how lawmakers may keep the government funded beyond Dec. 22.

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GOP's Band-Aid Deal to Avert a Shutdown

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 10:00:00 -0000

CQ budget reporter Jennifer Shutt explains the continuing resolution to fund the government through Dec. 22 and a temporary funding fix for the Children's Health Insurance Program.

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A Two-Year Budget Deal in the Making

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 10:00:00 -0000

CQ's Paul M. Krawzak spells out the progress lawmakers are making on reaching a two-year budget deal that would most likely lift the 2011 budget caps.

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How the Tax Cuts Could Stymie Economic Growth

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 10:00:00 -0000

The Republican writers of the tax overhaul say that lowering taxes on corporations and others would spur economic growth even if the cuts produce a deficit. CQ's budget guru Paul M. Krawzak explains how the opposite could occur.

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The GOP Tax Plan Unpacked

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 10:00:00 -0000

In a special episode of The Week Ahead and Budget Tracker Extra podcasts, CQ journalists Shawn Zeller, David Lerman and Peter Cohn take a deep dive into the new tax bill and explain what it would mean for corporations, small businesses and individuals.

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GOP Tax Plan: 'Square Peg Into Round Hole'

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 09:00:00 -0000

Republicans are quickly trying to pass a tax overhaul plan but indications are that obstacles are around every corner, say CQ Tax Editor Catalina Camia and Budget Editor Peter Cohn, who explain the complications facing the plan.

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Don't Pop the Champagne Just Yet on Tax Overhaul

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 09:00:00 -0000

Republicans hailed their budget resolution as the key to unlocking a tax code overhaul, but history suggests a partisan tax bill could still face a rocky road, as CQ Budget editor Peter Cohn explains.

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Trump Kneecapping Obamacare Adds to Year-End Spending Hurdles

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 09:00:00 -0000

Health care, border wall funding and legislation for Dreamers and an assortment of other issues are piling up and likely to complicate efforts for a year-end spending deal to avert a partial government shutdown, says CQ Budget reporter Jennifer Shutt.

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Dueling Budget Plans Amid Increasing Hurricane Aid

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 09:00:00 -0000

House and Senate Republicans are likely to wrangle over their competing budget resolutions to pave the way for a tax overhaul, says CQ budget reporter Ryan McCrimmon, who also explains why disaster aid is likely to increase.

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The Path Ahead for the Budget Resolutions

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 09:00:00 -0000

Both chambers are hoping to move on their respective budget resolutions that would pave the way for the much-ballyhooed tax overhaul, says CQ budget reporter Jennifer Shutt. But buried in the budget language is a provision aimed at opening an Alaska wildlife refuge to oil drilling, adds CQ energy reporter Jeremy Dillon.

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Why Any Tax Cuts Could Be Temporary

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 09:00:00 -0000

CQ budget reporter Paul M. Krawzak explains why a Senate budget resolution would add between $750 billion and $1.5 trillion or more to the deficit over 10 years, making any tax cuts temporary.

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Next Battlefront:Lifting the Spending Caps

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 09:00:00 -0000

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle would like to lift the spending limits established by law, says CQ's budget reporter Jennifer Shutt, adding that it's just the latest budget issue to confront lawmakers along with passing a budget resolution and a tax overhaul.

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