House approves 3 budget packages, Farm Bill rejected.
The House Takes Action on Budget Bills, Farm Bill Rejected
The House of Representatives has been busy advancing budget bills and making critical decisions. In an effort to avoid a government shutdown, the House is expected to vote on a continuing resolution (CR) on Friday, September 29. This temporary measure will fund the federal government until a Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget is adopted.
Without the CR in place, the federal government will face a partial shutdown when the new fiscal year begins on October 1.
House Approves Key Budget Bills
- The House has approved the $91.5 billion Homeland Security budget, the $52.5 billion State Department spending plan, and the $886.3 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
- The NDAA allocates $826 billion for the Pentagon.
In addition, the House passed a standalone measure to retain a $300 million allocation for Ukraine in the NDAA. This measure received overwhelming support, with 105 Republicans joining all Democrats in the 311-117 approval.
Farm Bill Rejected
The House’s proposed $22.5 billion Farm Bill failed to pass, with 27 Republicans joining all Democrats in rejecting the massive spending package.
Over 200 amendments were added to the Farm Bill, resulting in a lengthy and contentious debate.
The rejected Farm Bill includes significant cuts to funding for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies and programs. It also eliminates various programs and provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as climate change initiatives.
Other Budget Updates
- The House passed the proposed FY24 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, cutting more than $11 billion from President Joe Biden’s budget request.
- The $91.5 billion Homeland Security budget includes funding for border wall construction and hiring Border Patrol agents.
- The House also adopted the $52.5 billion FY24 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, reducing President Biden’s budget request by nearly a quarter.
The House’s actions on the defense budget have been sent to the Senate, where further deliberations and potential amendments are expected.
Remaining Tasks and Deadline
The House has passed four of the 12 appropriations packages that make up the annual federal budget. It must now approve the remaining eight, including the rejected Farm Bill, and reconcile differences with the Senate’s budget bills.
The deadline for completing these tasks is midnight on September 30. Failure to meet this deadline could result in a government shutdown or the continuation of present funding levels through a continuing resolution (CR).
What were the concerns raised by Democrats about the Farm Bill?
Whelming bipartisan support, as lawmakers expressed their commitment to supporting the Ukrainian government in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
However, not all budget bills were met with success in the House. On Wednesday, the House rejected the $740 billion Farm Bill, which included provisions for agricultural subsidies, nutrition programs, and rural development. The bill faced opposition from both Democrats and Republicans, with each side expressing concerns over various aspects of the legislation.
Democrats criticized the bill for not doing enough to address environmental protections and support for small-scale farmers. They argued that the bill prioritized large agricultural corporations at the expense of the environment and local farmers.
Republicans, on the other hand, had concerns about the size and scope of the bill. They argued that it included unnecessary spending and did not do enough to address fiscal responsibility. Some Republicans also expressed concerns about the expansion of government programs and the potential impact on the deficit.
The rejection of the Farm Bill is a setback for lawmakers who were hoping to provide stability and support to the agricultural sector. Without a new Farm Bill in place, certain programs and subsidies will expire, potentially leaving farmers without the necessary support to navigate the challenges they face.
Despite this setback, the House remains focused on advancing critical legislation to address the needs of the nation. The approval of the Homeland Security budget, the State Department spending plan, and the NDAA demonstrates a bipartisan commitment to national security and defense.
As the House prepares to vote on the continuing resolution, lawmakers hope to avoid a government shutdown and provide certainty for federal agencies and programs. The adoption of a Fiscal Year 2024 budget will also be crucial in charting the nation’s financial course and addressing pressing issues such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
The House’s action on budget bills showcases the vital role of Congress in shaping the nation’s financial future. The approval of key budgets and the rejection of the Farm Bill highlight the complexities and challenges of crafting legislation that can garner bipartisan support.
As the House continues its work, it will be essential for lawmakers to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground to move the country forward. The successful passage of critical legislation, coupled with the rejection of divisive measures, will be crucial in maintaining the trust and confidence of the American people.
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