Spending Fight Drags On

Lawmakers will take up short-term spending ahead of a shutdown deadline looming next week.

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Good morning from Capitol Hill. I’m back in town after a few days in balmy Miami and trying my best to hold onto that sunshine serenity this week.

Kicking the Can

Lawmakers are planning to vote this week on a short-term funding bill to avert a government shutdown deadline next week. 

The House is set to take up the measure, which would extend funding through March 11, later today. If passed by both chambers, it will buy top appropriators more time to reach a larger deal to keep the government running this year. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer over the weekend called those talks “very vigorous” and expressed optimism about striking a deal.

At issue, among other disagreements, are the percentages by which defense and nondefense spending will increase. Most Republicans want to see a boost in defense spending, while Democrats want a larger hike for nondefense spending. Here’s more from Roll Call’s Lindsey McPherson:

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Comments (12)
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  1. Avatar photo
    Ben Connelly

    “ Most Republicans want to see a boost in defense spending, while Democrats want a larger hike for nondefense spending.”

    We already know how this ends. Same way it always does: “let’s just increase everything! More money for everyone. Everyone wins!” (Except the American people.)

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  2. James D

    There are few better summaries of the rank incompetence of modern Congresses than the chronic inability to properly fund the government on a non-CR basis, despite all parties involved agreeing it needs to get done. Frustrating but necessary reporting!

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  3. Avatar photo
    Devin H

    I don't usually play the caption game, but this one appears to be begging for: "Mr. Hoyer puts on a stoic face as Madam Speaker seems poised to beat him in the House game of Charades by miming 'smoking a cigarette'".

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    1. Avatar photo
      JohnM.

      Well played.

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  4. Avatar photo
    Josh Blumenthal

    I just can't get into this. When the subheadline refers to "lawmakers" (I'm loathe to take them seriously) who are facing (yet another) shutdown deadline that is their shared fault because they can only agree to avoid working together, I freeze and move on to other things. Sorry Haley, it's your job to report and not your fault that this is the "news" of the day. Peace out

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  5. Avatar photo
    Kevin C. Smith

    Glad to see the plug for John Daly's book! He's a great writer and fun to follow on Twitter!

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    1. Avatar photo
      Ben Connelly

      And it’s published through an equitable indie imprint instead of one of the big trad houses! I’ll have to check out Daly’s work.

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  6. Avatar photo
    Patrick Beecher

    Thank you for the great reports! I will be headed to DC for a Legislative Fly-in for ASCE in early March. Your reports are at the top of my list to stay updated on what is happening on the Hill. Thanks!

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  7. Avatar photo
    Paul Britton

    These reports are highly informative.

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  8. Avatar photo
    John A. Daly

    "Friend of The Dispatch" is a title I wear with pride. Thanks Haley. You're the best. :)

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    1. Avatar photocircle-angle-nib
      Haley Byrd Wilt vertical-nib Author

      Congrats on your publish day!!!

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      1. Avatar photo
        John A. Daly

        Thank you!

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