NWC Federal Spotlight
February 9, 2021
HOUSE EXTENDS CURRENT CR TO MARCH 11/Deal ON FY2022 APPROPRIATIONS REACHED. On February 8, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Further Additional Extending Government Funding Act” (H.R. 6617) by a vote of 272-162. The measure now moves to the Senate for who is expected to pass it and to the President for signature. The bill would halt a partial federal government shutdown when the current continuing resolution (CR) ends on February 18. The 2022 fiscal year started on October 1, 2021. However, since none of the 12 appropriations bills were signed into law by then, Congress passed several short-term extensions to allow Congressional appropriations negotiators more time. To date, there is no agreement on top-line spending numbers. The Democrats want at least 13 percent dedicated to domestic spending while keeping defense spending at a five percent increase. Republicans are saying they want to see a balance between defense and domestic spending. Additionally, Republicans are opposed to new policy riders and advocate a continuation of riders that have been in previous appropriations agreements.
On February 9, House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced that bipartisan, bicameral negotiators have agreed on a framework for fiscal year 2022 appropriations. Chair DeLauro said: “I am pleased that we have reached agreement on a framework, which will allow our subcommittees to get to work finalizing an omnibus. We will now proceed with great intensity to enact legislation making transformative investments to create good-paying American jobs, grow opportunity for the middle class, support the vulnerable who work hard, and protect our national security.” Chairman Leahy said: “With this agreement we will be able to invest in our communities and provide increases for health care, education, our national security, and invest in the middle class, among other priorities. In any successful negotiation, both sides have to compromise, and this agreement is no different. But I believe we reached a strong, bipartisan agreement that will allow us to make significant investments in the American people and our communities. I look forward to crafting a bill that will receive strong support in both Chambers in the coming weeks.” Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) a senior Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said that an agreement on the framework will allow negotiators to discuss spending for defense and nondefense programs. This action paves the way for potential action on an omnibus package by the new FY2022 deadline of March 11.
Best, Julie Ufner, NWC
