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December 9, 2023

Without a looming government shutdown, Congress is close to wrapping up its work for the year, even though several major issues remain unresolved. The Senate failed to advance a supplemental spending bill funding the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel due to a dispute over border security. Senate Republicans unanimously blocked the measure saying any spending measure must be accompanied by stronger border protections. It is unclear if an agreement will be reached before the end of next week. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report is moving forward after controversial abortion provisions were dropped from the agreement. As that agreement moves forward, the Senate has finally confirmed more than 400 military promotions that had been on hold due to objections from Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL). Also this week, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announced he would be leaving Congress at the end of the year. His departure, in addition to the expulsion of Rep. George Santos (R-NY), further narrows the House GOP’s already slim majority. And finally, perhaps the final GOP Presidential debate was held this week. Former UN Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley took most of the heat in the debate, as she remains a distant second place to former President Donald Trump.

LOOKING AHEAD

HOUSE

H.R. 357 - Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act
H.R. 1147 - Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023
H.R. 6570 - Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act
H.R. 6611 - FISA Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2023
National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report
Measure to Initiate Impeachment Inquiry

SENATE

Consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report

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