Wheeling, Dealing and Digging In
In case you missed it, House and Senate negotiators along with the White House made a deal late on Friday that will fund the government for the remainder of fiscal year 2011 which ends on September 30, 2011. Yes, massive cuts in government spending (almost $40 billion) are part of that deal, but the Prostate Cancer Research Program and other important research conducted by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program are not part of those cuts.
Unfortunately, we now have to turn our attention to fiscal year 2012 which begins on October 1, 2011. Congress will pass the bill providing funding for the current fiscal year tomorrow – the remainder of the week will be dedicated to the Budget Resolution and other business before a 2-week Spring break. When they return at the beginning of May, they will be behind schedule by over 2 months for the current fiscal year AND there will be another historic debate over raising the debt ceiling. The debt ceiling debate may even occur this week.
Here is the House schedule for the week of April 11:
MONDAY, APRIL 11TH
On Monday, the House will meet at 11:00 p.m. in pro forma session.
TUESDAY, APRIL 12TH
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.
Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:
1) H.R. 1308 – To amend the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act to extend the termination date for the Commission, and for other purposes (Sponsored by Rep. Elton Gallegly / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
2) S. 307 – To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 217 West King Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia, as the “W. Craig Broadwater Federal Building and United States Courthouse (Sponsored by Sen. Jay Rockefeller / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13TH
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.
H.R. 1217 – To repeal the Prevention and Public Health Fund (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Joe Pitts / Energy and Commerce Committee)
H.R. __ – Making Appropriations for the Department of Defense and the Other Departments and Agencies of the Government for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2011, and for Other Purposes (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Hal Rogers / Appropriations Committee)
THURSDAY, APRIL 14TH
On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.
Begin Consideration of H.Con.Res. __ – Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2012 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2013 through 2021 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Paul Ryan / Budget Committee)
FRIDAY, APRIL 15TH
On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes for the week are expected no later than 3:00 p.m.
Complete Consideration of H.Con.Res. __ – Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2012 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2013 through 2021 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Paul Ryan / Budget Committee)
