This Week In Congress

Appropriations

Negotiations between House and Senate leadership on a topline spending limit are moving slowly, but late this week the House Freedom Caucus members have relented in their demands for steep funding cuts for FY’24, paving the way for an agreement. It is critical that a topline funding agreement be reached sooner, rather than later, as the longer it takes to reach an agreement, the less time there will be for the appropriations bills themselves to be discussed and negotiated. Another continuing resolution (CR) may be necessary should delays continue but Speaker Johnson has indicated that he intends to complete the remaining appropriations before the January 19 and February 2 deadlines.

Supplemental

Lawmakers have less than two weeks to complete an Israel/Ukraine spending package. Negotiations thus far have made little progress and conflicts continue to arise as Republicans hinge their support for aid to Ukraine on policy changes at the southern border. After stalls earlier this week, Republicans have made a new offer on border policy and talks will continue throughout the weekend.

Drug Shortages

This week, members of the Senate Finance Committee took steps toward exploring using Medicare payment policy to address drug shortages. Solutions focused on encouraging hospitals to buy from suppliers that maintain resilient supply chains. There was bipartisan interest in Medicare policies that provide financial incentive to encourage hospitals to purchase from suppliers that maintain stronger supply chains.

Impeachment

House Republicans are gearing up to vote to formalize an impeachment inquiry into the business dealings of President Biden and his family. A vote could occur as soon as next week.