If you missed the fireworks on Independence Day, don't worry
because they will continue for the entire month of July on Capitol
Hill. The July calendar is full of legislative priorities and
political debates pressuring congressional leaders to clear the
plate as much as possible before the month long District Work
Period in August.
The Democratic Majority in the House made significant progress
on Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations in June, passing two
minibus packages to fund all but two of the appropriations bills.
The remaining two bills (Homeland Security and Legislative Branch)
are not expected to be considered in the House until September.
While appropriations progress in the House has been steady, the
Senate Appropriations Committee has yet to begin markups due to the
lack of agreement on the overall spending level for FY '20,
which is currently set for a dramatic reduction thanks to the
Budget Control Act of 2011. Budget cap negotiations are ongoing,
but
