Government Funding Deal
Congress has once again punted the spending issues down the field with the House introducing a two-part continuing resolution that will fund the government at current levels through the beginning of March. The bill, unveiled Sunday night, is sure to face opposition from the Freedom Caucus and other conservative members of the Republican conference who see this as another compromise on spending with the Democrats. The Senate has indicated that they will begin the process of passing the bill early this week.
The full Congress must approve a new spending package before current government funding runs out on January 19th.
This new spending deal is being seen by some conservative Members as another surrender to the demands of the Democrats. Some Members, including Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, have floated the idea that another motion to vacate could be on the table if Speaker Johnson gives too much away in key conservative priorities. Such a move could throw the House back into disorder with another pending funding deadline.
Secretary of Defense
Last week, it was revealed that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was admitted to the hospital with complications from a recent pancreatic cancer diagnosis. It was soon realized that nobody at the Pentagon nor the White House was aware of his hospital stay or his medical conditions that could have prevented him from carrying out his duties. Now, Republicans in the Senate are calling on Austin to testify at a Senate hearing to explain his failure to notify key individuals about his failure to communicate. Senator Roger Wicker called this “not a partisan issue.” If the Secretary’s answers are not satisfactory, Senate Republicans warn that it may be time to remove Austin from his position.
New England Delegation Activities
Our New England Members have been hard at work this month on a variety of priorities helping constituents from Maine to Connecticut. Here are some of the important highlights that could impact your business and ongoing projects.
Senator Susan Collins
This month, the Senator continued her work supporting the shipbuilding activities at Bath Iron Works, securing over $34 million for work force initiatives at the shipyard.
Congressman Jared Golden
Earlier this month, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection held a hearing on a proposed rule to mandate the sale of zero-emission vehicles in Maine. Congressman Golden released a statement calling on the department not to adopt this rule.
Congresswoman Annie Kuster
The Congresswoman continued her support for rural communities in New Hampshire by calling on the federal government to prioritize robust investment in cybersecurity for the digital data of all Americans, especially those in rural areas.
Senator Ed Markey
The Senator joined Senator Vance of Ohio and Senator Welch of Vermont in calling for answers from Boing leadership following the recent 737 Max accident involving an Alaska Airlines plane.
Congressman Jim McGovern
The Massachusetts congressional delegation, led by the Congressman, is calling on the Biden Administration to remove Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terror list.
Senator Maggie Hassan
The Senator recently led the New Hampshire delegation in welcoming the Secretary of Energy to Nashua to discuss energy-efficient initiatives.
Senator Jack Reed
Following more flooding from recent winter storms, Senator Reed continued his calls for more federal funding and resources to prepare for future weather events
The Earmark Process
Have you ever considered a Congressionally Directed Spending (Earmark) request to fund your organization? We can help you determine if this is a good option for you! Earmarks have recently been reintroduced to the budget process, and we can help you secure a piece of this government funding. Earmarking allows Members of Congress to authorize direct federal funding to local projects that make communities better. Senator Collins will have a key role in this process for FY 2024 through her position on the Appropriations Committee. More information on the Senator’s funding process can be found here.
Maine Legislature
Maine’s Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature began on January 3, 2024. Statutory adjournment is April 17, 2024