Senate Appropriations Committee prepares for showdown with House.

Senate Appropriations Committee Takes Action on Spending Bills

The Senate Appropriations Committee recently passed two bills and approved top-line spending for 10 others, setting the stage for a showdown with the House of Representatives. The committee session, known as a markup, allowed for debate, amendments, and voting on the bills.

The spending levels were determined by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, a bipartisan agreement reached by President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The act limits defense spending to $886.2 billion and non-defense spending to $703.7 billion for fiscal year 2024. The combined spending in the 12 annual appropriations bills must fall within these limits.

While Senate leaders have pledged to implement the spending levels indicated by the act, House Republicans are pushing for even larger spending cuts. If both chambers fail to agree on all 12 spending bills by Jan. 1, 2024, the act mandates a 1 percent cut in discretionary spending.

Senators Determined to Pass Appropriations Bills

Despite their frustrations with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, senators from both parties are resolved to pass their appropriations bills on time. Chair Patty Murray expressed concern about the limitations imposed by the act but emphasized the importance of fulfilling their responsibilities as appropriators and members of Congress.

Vice Chair Susan Collins echoed Murray’s sentiments, emphasizing the need to avoid a shutdown or damaging funding cuts. The spending totals for each of the 12 bills passed on a party-line vote over Republican opposition.

The committee also passed two appropriations bills that had already cleared their subcommittees, addressing Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, as well as Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.

Subcommittee Battles on the Horizon

Now, each appropriations subcommittee must craft its spending bill within its allocation. However, further negotiation is possible. Senator Collins expressed hope for reaching an agreement to ensure adequate resources for the military and the Department of Homeland Security.

Senator Lindsey Graham raised concerns about military spending and border security, foreshadowing potential debates at the subcommittee level. He emphasized the importance of providing sufficient funding for Homeland Security in light of the border situation.