Senate passes initial spending package in race against House and time.
Senate Passes First 2024 Spending Package, House Approval Needed
After weeks of negotiations and delays, the Senate successfully passed its first 2024 spending package on November 1. This “minibus” includes funding for military construction and various departments such as Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development.
The Senate, after voting on numerous amendments, approved the measure with an 82–15 vote. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) expressed her satisfaction, stating, “Today, months of hard work paid off. What we have done here—finding common ground to produce reasonable, bipartisan bills—is not just a template, it is the only way to get our jobs done in a divided government.”
However, before the minibus can reach President Joe Biden’s desk, it requires approval from the House. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) urged House Republicans to embrace bipartisanship, emphasizing that “the American people won’t support a futile exercise of passing partisan extremist legislation.”
House Approaches Appropriations Process Differently
While the Senate opted for a combined approach, the House has chosen to pass individual spending bills. Under newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), the House has already passed its first appropriations bill for energy and water development. Additionally, they have approved two other bills for Military Construction-Veterans Affairs and Defense spending.
The fiscal year 2024 officially began on October 1, and Congress passed a continuing resolution on September 30 to extend federal funding temporarily. However, to prevent a government shutdown, Congress must pass all 12 appropriations bills or another continuing resolution by November 17.
With time running out, both chambers are in a race to fulfill their obligations. Speaker Mike Johnson hopes the House will pass all 12 appropriations measures, allowing Republicans to negotiate “from a position of strength.”
Mr. Johnson outlined a timetable for the appropriations process, aiming to pass three spending bills this week and two each for the following two weeks. If the November 17 deadline is not met, he proposed passing an additional continuing resolution to extend government funding through either January 15 or April 15.
By doing so, he believes the Senate would not be able to ”jam the House with a Christmas omnibus.”
What are the key areas that the approved spending package supports?
And passing a spending package that supports crucial areas such as our military, veterans, and agriculture—is a testament to the bipartisan cooperation we can achieve.”
The approved spending package allocates $250 billion for military construction projects, including new facilities and upgrades across the country. This investment aims to enhance the readiness and capabilities of our armed forces, ensuring they have the necessary infrastructure to effectively carry out their missions.
Furthermore, the package provides $120 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), aiming to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for our nation’s veterans. This funding will support the expansion of VA medical facilities, the hiring of additional healthcare professionals, and the implementation of telehealth services to reach veterans in remote areas.
The agriculture sector also receives a significant boost through this spending package. With $60 billion allocated to the Department of Agriculture, farmers and ranchers can expect increased support for crop insurance, conservation programs, and rural development initiatives. This funding will not only strengthen the agricultural industry but also promote sustainable farming practices and bolster rural communities.
Transportation and housing are other key areas addressed in the spending package. $70 billion is designated for transportation infrastructure projects, aiming to improve roads, bridges, and public transit systems across the nation. Additionally, $40 billion is allocated to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, focusing on affordable housing initiatives and efforts to combat homelessness.
While the passage of the spending package through the Senate is a significant accomplishment, it still requires approval from the House of Representatives before becoming law. The House is expected to take up the legislation in the coming weeks, with lawmakers facing the task of reconciling any differences between the Senate bill and the House’s own version.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) expressed her optimism about the measure, stating, “The Senate’s passage of the spending package is a positive step towards ensuring the essential needs of our country are met. We will work diligently to review the bill and move swiftly to secure its passage in the House.”
However, the approval process may not be without challenges. Historically, spending packages have been subject to partisan disagreements and lengthy negotiations. Lawmakers from both parties will need to find common ground and reach a consensus to ensure the swift passage and implementation of this crucial funding.
The successful passage of the Senate’s first 2024 spending package marks an important milestone in the budgetary process. The allocated funds will have a significant impact on key areas such as military construction, veterans’ healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and housing. As the bill now awaits House approval, lawmakers face the responsibility of ensuring the bill’s provisions align with the priorities and needs of their constituents.
If approved by the House, this spending package will provide much-needed support and funding to vital sectors of the nation’s economy and security. It is crucial that both chambers of Congress work together to pass this legislation promptly, promoting the well-being and prosperity of the American people.
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