Omnibus drama continues…
Earlier this week Democrats rejected Republicans’ first omnibus offer which, according to The Hill, included 30 policy riders that Democrats objected to, including the language passed in the House two weeks ago that would functionally halt Syrian and Iraqi refugees from coming to the United States. The inclusion of the riders, combined with the surprise timing of the proposal itself, generated a strong reaction from House Dems who feel alienated from the process. "Everything that we thought would have movement or that was still an open question, they just negated," said Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. According to CQ, Democrats sent over their proposal tonight, but details aren't available. Labor-HHS Chairman and veteran appropriator Rep. Tom Cole fired back yesterday, arguing that in order to get a deal Democrats would have to make some concessions on riders. “Democrats want all the money and no policy change,” Chairman Cole told CQ Budget Tracker. However, as he pointed out, Democrats would not be expected to accept the first offer, and the negotiations will continue.
Getting less attention are the omnibus funding levels themselves. According to CQ, there are still some outstanding funding issues that need to be resolved, but no word on what those might be. HAC Chairman Rogers still hopes to file the text of an agreement by Monday to pass the bill through both chambers by Friday and avoid the need for another short-term CR. But this is an increasingly difficult task, with the House and Senate out for the weekend.
Reconciliation watch: This week, the Senate moved forward with their budget reconciliation bill to dismantle the ACA. The bill would dismantle the ACA, defund Planned Parenthood, and terminate the Prevention and Public Health Fund. This was ultimately a show vote, as the President has already issued a veto threat through the Office of Management and Budget. The statement stated:
The White House this week issued a presidential veto threat of the budget reconciliation package working its way through the Senate this week. The bill would dismantle the ACA, defund Planned Parenthood, and terminate the Prevention and Public Health Fund. A copy of the SAP is available here.
Last updated: December 7, 2015