Staff Reports
The House of Representatives is confronted with a number of critical measures that require attention within the constrained remaining time of the calendar year 2023. By November 17th, the House must either enact 12 appropriations bills or a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown. In addition, they are required to deliberate on legislation concerning the National Defense Programs, the Federal Aviation Administration, and agriculture policy, colloquially known as the "farm bill."
Here’s what’s next for House GOP after electing a speaker https://t.co/G6YV31L1TL
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Kentucky's 2nd District Republican Representative Brett Guthrie acknowledged the impending difficulty, stating, "We will not pass every appropriations measure. We will be compelled to take action in order to achieve the deadline of November 17th." Following Mike Johnson's inauguration as speaker of the House on Wednesday, attention transitioned to the passage of significant legislation that had been awaiting House action. Before Johnson's election, the House had previously resolved to remove Kevin McCarthy as speaker, resulting in a 22-day impasse.
So far, the House has approved five of the twelve appropriations measures; however, the Senate has not given its approval to any of them. Members are concerned about their ability to consider the remaining eight measures and reconcile differences with the Senate as time runs out. Republican Representative Dan Newhouse of the 4th District of Washington speculated that a continuing resolution was probable, stating, "I believe we have an extremely short amount of time to complete all the bills by the 17th."
Congress will also be required to consider supplemental appropriations requests that the Biden administration has submitted, in addition to appropriations. Funding for disaster relief and military assistance to Israel and Ukraine, among other priorities, is included in these requests. Republicans have voiced their dissent towards the combined military assistance package, advocating for a distinct evaluation of aid allocated to Israel. Additionally, some conservatives have suggested that Israel aid should be mitigated by reductions in other expenditures.
For fiscal year 2024, the House must additionally deliberate on the reauthorization of the National Defense Authorization Act and the Federal Aviation Administration. These are significant laws that affect the operation of the United States military and national security. In addition, the "Farm Bill," which establishes agricultural policy and provides vital support for the farming industry, must be passed by the House.
Given the constrained legislative days at hand and the presence of numerous conflicting obligations, the likelihood that the House will succeed in approving each of these measures prior to the conclusion of the year remains uncertain. Additionally, the House will be absent from Washington, D.C. for six weeks during "district work weeks," which will further confound the schedule. The capacity to surmount these obstacles and enact the required legislation continues to be uncertain.
