Over the past decade, the end of the calendar year and congressional session has been characterized by a hectic effort on Capitol Hill to pass the annual appropriations measures and other must-pass bills ahead of the holidays. This year is an exception. Lawmakers are still debating a foreign policy-focused emergency supplemental appropriations package. While the Seante stayed in session an extra week, there was no breakthrough on negotiations, though the extra time was used to confirm military promotions that had been delayed for nearly the entire year. The lack of progress on the supplemental package delayed further negotiations on final FY 2024 spending measures. Some federal programs are on a continuing resolution (CR) until January 19th, while most programs are on a CR until February 2nd, which means lawmakers will have limited time to pass a final package when the convene early next year (and may need to pass another short-term CR).
The House adjourned for the year well ahead of the Senate after passing the annual National Defense Authorization Act. The measure had been delayed for some time due to protracted negotiations over polarizing policy riders pushed by the House. Ultimately, the final bill jettisoned policy riders and was very similar to the measure initially advanced by the Senate. The measure passed the House with more than two-thirds support, bypassing an open amendment process, and securing votes from a broad coalition of Democrats and Republicans (in a manner similar to the current CR).
Next year looks to be a dynamic time on Capitol Hill. The November elections (presidential in particular) are already unprecedented even though campaign season has barely begun. A tremendous number of veteran lawmakers have already announced their retirements setting up a notable changing of the guard for the 119th Congress, which will convene in 2025. The current Congress will consider some critical legislative items early next year, and work to finalize many others in the lame duck session after the election. We encourage every interested individual to join the CCTS advocacy efforts to ensure a critical mass of support for the full spectrum of medical research remains on Capitol Hill.
By: Dane Christiansen, Washington Representative