CR on the Horizon

With the planned Senate hearing for the fifth and final health care overhaul bill this week, Congress continues to move forward on the FY10 Appropriations process.  As the 2010 fiscal year is only 9 days away, Congress will have to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the federal government open.  This week, the House plans to consider a month-long CR, keeping with the Democratic leadership’s goal of completing the appropriations process by the end of October.  The House is also expected to appoint conferees for the five bills that passed both chambers: Agriculture, Energy-Water, Homeland Security, Legislative Branch, and Transportation-HUD.

Today, the Senate resumes consideration of the Interior-Environment bill and may take up the Defense bill later in the week.  It remains unclear whether or not the Senate will have the time to bring up the $48.7 billion FY10 State, Foreign Operations bill, the largest component of the International Affairs Budget.  If not, then it may be wrapped up into a “mini-bus” bill with any other unfinished Appropriations bills.  Currently, The FY10 International Affairs Budget is on track to be funded at $51 billion, $2.9 billion or 5.4% below the Administration’s request.

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