Summer 2023
We are pleased to continue our Quarterly Snapshot memo series and deliver in-depth insights from the Capitol, the states, and all things Congress to your inbox on a quarterly basis.
In our summer report, we reflect on the progress (or lack thereof) of the 118th Congress, big legislation like the recently passed debt ceiling deal, and what the Biden Administration has planned for the remainder of its first term. With one month until the August recess, our team has compiled insights to get you through the dog days of a congressional summer.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like further information on the content included in the report.
Washington in 100 Words
It was always unlikely that the 118th Congress would be a particularly productive
one, but as the heat and humidity of summer arrive, everything feels downright
uncomfortable. Even the drawn-out debt ceiling has already been set aside,
restarting a government funding showdown after funding levels were theoretically
set (more later). That leaves Administration action (read fiat by some) as the
only game in town. The increasingly legacy-oriented Biden Presidency will
continue implementing the trillion-dollar plus agenda remaining in the Inflation
Reduction Act, Infrastructure & CHIPS laws, and even remaining COVID-era bills.
Kevin McCarthy Wakes Up Every Day with the Ambitious Goal of Survival.
Despite being “underestimated,” he has extracted something out of President
Biden and the Senate during the debt talks, has committees working, and has
set up a whip team that garners the needed votes. However, he’s under fire
from his moderates for allowing some vocal members of the Freedom Caucus
to set or stall his agenda.
Planning a Vacation in December? Think Again.
Must pass legislation for the rest of the year includes twelve appropriations
bills, a Farm Bill (a stretch to finish by end of year), National Defense
Authorization Act, a Ukraine supplemental, and tax extenders. In other words,
it’s unlikely these will be finalized by September 30. Watch these numbers
dwindle (as of July 1): there are 24 days in session for the House in 2023 and
29 for the Senate.
A “New” Calendar for Appropriations.
The debt ceiling agreement opens a new chapter in appropriations, with
theoretical cuts beginning at the end of the calendar year – making both
September 30 and December 31 annual dates to watch. As for what to
actually spend? The coming quarter will be dominated by spending fights—by
chamber, by ideology, by party, by internal factions.
#CAMPAIGNSZN Picks Up Again.
Is it just us or has anyone else gotten an onslaught of messaging texts and
calls from campaign offices? President Biden announced an official 2024 run
followed by Trump and other key players (DeSantis and Haley) The eighteen
Republicans elected in districts won by President Biden are feeling pretty
endangered. Look for the House to give them some special treatment during
the appropriations amendment process. They need a few wins to highlight
back home.