Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, the DC Download, to get updates on what’s happening on the Hill, what we are reading, key issues to watch, and progressive analysis and tools.

 
 

DC Download 06.26.2023

Welcome to a Special Edition DC Download! While the House is still in recess for another week, the Senate returns today to a packed agenda. On top of the to-do list: pass all 12 appropriations bills or a continuing resolution (CR) before the end of the month. So far, the full Senate has not passed any of the 12 bills necessary to fund the government, and the House passed only one bill before they recessed for the summer. The 12 appropriations bills or a CR must pass both the House and the Senate and be signed by the president before October 1 to avoid a government shutdown. For more detailed information about the appropriations process, check out the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center’s explainer, From Programs to People: The FY2024 Appropriations Process. 

Table of Contents:

  • Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

  • Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

  • Defense

  • Energy and Water Development

  • Financial Services and General Government

  • Homeland Security

  • Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

  • Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

  • Legislative Branch

  • Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

  • State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs

  • Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

  • Issues to Watch

  • Key Dates

  • What We're Reading

 

 

Status of Appropriations Bills 

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies 

This bill funds the Department of Agriculture, which oversees programs like SNAP and school lunches, and provides support for rural communities. It also funds the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is responsible for the safety of our food, medication, and cosmetics. 

Both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees approved their respective bills (H.R. 4368 and S. 2131) in June. The House bill was originally slated for consideration in July before lawmakers left D.C. for the summer, but was pulled due to Republican infighting. The House bill would provide$25.3 billion. In contrast, the Senate bill would provide almost $26 billion in funding. 

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies 

This bill supports the Department of Commerce, which includes the National Weather Service and the Census Bureau. It also funds the Department of Justice, which oversees the FBI and federal prisons, and agencies like NASA and the National Science Foundation, which drive scientific research and space exploration.

So far, the House Appropriations Committee has not approved their draft bill; it has, however, passed the relevant subcommittee. The draft bill would approve just under $59 billion for programs under this bill’s jurisdiction, a cut of roughly $24 billion from last year's enacted level. The Senate bill (S. 2321) on the other hand would provide almost $72 billion in funding. 

Defense

 This bill funds the Department of Defense, covering everything from soldier salaries to equipment and base operations, and it supports programs like the F-35 fighter jet.

The House Appropriations Committee approved their bill (H.R. 4365) in June, with the Senate Appropriations Committee following suit in July (S. 2587). The House bill would provide more than $826 billion. The full House is expected to consider this bill when lawmakers return next week. The Senate bill would provide the Pentagon with $832 billion. 

Energy and Water Development

This bill funds the Department of Energy (which oversees national energy policy and nuclear safety) and the Army Corps of Engineers, which plays a key role in infrastructure projects and waterway management.

Both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees passed their respective bills (H.R. 4394 and S. 2433) before lawmakers recessed for August. The House bill would provide just over $52 billion, about a $1.6 billion decrease from 2023, while the Senate bill provides $58 billion. 

Financial Services and General Government

This bill funds the Department of the Treasury (which manages federal finances and the IRS) and the Executive Office of the President. It also supports the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), agencies that protect consumers and oversee communication mediums like TV and radio.

In July, both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees advanced their respective bills (H.R. 4664 and S. 2309), but they have yet to be considered by the full chambers. The House version of the bill would approve about $25 billion for programs and agencies under this bill’s jurisdiction, while the Senate’s bill would provide $41 billion. 

Homeland Security 

 This funds the Department of Homeland Security, which includes agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Transportation Security Agency (TSA), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  

The House Appropriations Committee approved their bill (H.R. 4367) in June, with the Senate Appropriations Committee following suit in July (S. 2625). The House is expected to vote on the bill when lawmakers return from their break next week. The bill would provide $63 billion, while the Senate bill would provide $61 billion. 

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies 

This bill supports the Department of the Interior, which manages national parks and federal lands. It also funds the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which protects clean air and water, and agencies like the National Endowment for the Arts, which supports cultural programs.

Both the House and Senate Appropriations Committee approved their respective bills (H.R. 4821 and S. 2605) in July before leaving D.C. for the summer. The House bill would provide $35 billion, while the Senate bill would provide $43 billion. 

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies 

 This bill funds the Departments of Labor (which oversees workers’ rights), Health and Human Services (which manages public health initiatives and Medicare/Medicaid), and Education (which supports K-12 schools and federal student loans). Notable agencies include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

While the House Appropriations Committee has not approved their draft bill, it did, however, pass the relevant subcommittee in July. The draft bill would provide $163 billion for agencies and programs under this bill’s jurisdiction, a cut of almost $64 billion from last year's enacted level. The Senate bill (S. 2624) on the other hand would provide about $224 billion in funding. 

Legislative Branch

This bill funds Congress’ operations, supports the Library of Congress where the nation's history is preserved, and covers the Capitol Police.

The House Appropriations Committee approved their bill (H.R. 4364) in June, with the Senate Appropriations Committee following shortly thereafter in July (S. 2302). The House bill would provide a total of $5.3 billion, a decrease of $252 million from 2023. The Senate bill would provide about  $4.7 billion.

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

This bill funds construction projects for the military and supports the Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring veterans receive medical care, benefits, and support.

Shortly before breaking for the August recess, lawmakers passed the House bill (H.R. 4366) by a 219-211 vote. Of the 12 appropriations bills necessary to fund the government, this is the only one to have passed either chamber so far. The Senate’s bill (S. 2127) advanced out of the Appropriations Committee in June, but has yet to receive a full Senate vote. The House bill provides nearly $156 billion in funding, while the Senate provides almost $155 billion.  

State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs

This bill funds the Department of State, which manages diplomatic relations and supports foreign aid programs. It also funds agencies like the Peace Corps, where volunteers serve abroad to promote peace and friendship.

In July, both the House and Senate Appropriations Committee passed their respective bills (H.R. 4665 and S. 2438). The House bill provides nearly $53 billion for global programs and activities, about a $7 billion cut from 2023, while the Senate bill provides almost $62 billion. 

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

This bill funds the Department of Transportation, which oversees highways, aviation, and railroads, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which supports affordable housing and community development. 

Before leaving for August recess, both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees approved their respective bills (H.R. 4820 and S. 2437). The House bill provides $65 billion in funding, a $26 billion cut from last year, while the Senate bill would provide $99 billion.