House Appropriations Committee Passes Three Bills: FY 2014 Commerce-Justice-Science; Financial Services; Legislative Branch

Legislative Activity

House Appropriations Action

Last week, the House Appropriations Committee passed the FY 2014 Commerce-Justice-Science, Financial Services, and Legislative Branch appropriations bills.  The House was expected to debate the Defense appropriations bill (H.R. 2397) last week as well, but disagreements over the rule process have stalled floor action. Republican leadership would like to debate the bill under a structured rule in order to limit controversial amendments related to Egypt, the National Security Administration, and Syria. However, rank-and-file members on both sides of the aisle have criticized this approach. Once the Defense bill does reach the floor, the Transportation-HUD bill (H.R. 2610) is expected to follow.

Senate Appropriations Action

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2014 Homeland Security (S. 2217) and Commerce-Justice-Science (S. 1329) appropriations bills last week. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced plans to bring the Transportation-HUD (S. 1243) bill to the floor this week; however, Budget Committee Ranking Member Jeff Sessions (R-AL) has threatened to raise a point of order because the appropriators are working under higher spending levels than are allowed by the Budget Control Act (Pub. L. 112-25). It is still unclear whether Sen. Sessions can raise a point of order on the first bill, or if he must wait until the total amount surpasses the $967 billion allowed by the Budget Control Act.

This Week’s Hearings:

• Tuesday, July 23: Financial Services – Senate subcommittee markup.
• Tuesday, July 23: State and Foreign Operations – Senate subcommittee markup.
• Tuesday, July 23: Interior and Environment – House subcommittee markup.