Negotiators are optimistic.
Leaders of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees say they have reached a deal on a “framework” that will allow them to begin writing compromise spending bills for the fiscal year that began last October 1. Members say the agreement is to have “parity,” or equal increases for defense and non-defense spending, and to start further negotiations leaving current law policy riders in place.
House Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut said, “I am pleased that we have reached agreement on a framework which will allow our subcommittees to get to work finalizing an omnibus.” She added that appropriators will “now proceed with great intensity to enact legislation..”
Senate Appropriations Chairman Patrick Leahy of Vermont said that both sides compromised in negotiations and called the result a “strong bipartisan agreement that will allow us to make significant investments in the American people and our communities.” He did not mention specific funding but said the deal will “provide increases for health care, education, our national security, and invest in the middle class, among other priorities.”
Ranking member Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama said he is “not unhappy” and that “we got the framework to go forward.”
In the meantime, the Senate is working through the process of getting a continuing resolution passed that will allow the government to remain open beyond February 18.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the appropriations committees as they work together to craft a passable budget.
- For members of the House and Senate to have wisdom as the deliberations and compromises are made.
- For discernment for federal legislators as further federal spending is approved.
Sources: Roll Call, The Hill
