Appropriations Update
This week, both House and Senate Budget Committees adopted budget resolutions creating the framework for this year’s spending bills.
Although both plans largely adhere to the priorities that President Obama laid out in February, they also scale back some of his spending and tax measures for fiscal year 2010, with the House proposing $7 billion less in discretionary spending and the Senate trimming about $15 billion.
Notably, the House resolution, adopted late Wednesday night, contains reconciliation instructions for legislation to implement President Obama’s health and education policies. More specifically, these provisions would allow Congress to move both an overhaul of the health care system and changes to education programs through the budget reconciliation process, a fast-track procedure that limits debate and bars filibusters in the Senate. The Senate resolution includes no similar provisions.
The President’s full budget, including a detailed appendix that would include specific programs, is expected to be revealed next month. Congress will then review the proposed spending levels for these individual programs in order to begin assembling FY10 Appropriations measures.
BIAA will continue to monitor these developments and take action accordingly.
