iLegislative Activity
Appropriators Turn Attention to FY 2018 Process Without the Guidance of a Budget Resolution
Now that the FY 2017 budget is finalized, appropriators are ready to focus on the FY 2018 process, even though the budget committees have yet to produce a budget resolution to provide topline spending levels for the upcoming fiscal year. Appropriators will likely begin construction of the FY 2018 appropriations legislation using the discretionary spending cap of $1.065 trillion mandated by the Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA/P.L. 112-25), commonly referred to as sequestration-level funding.
The House and Senate budget committee chairmen are pledging to move forward with FY 2018 budget resolutions that will achieve a balanced budget within 10 years. However, as the reconciliation instructions included in the FY 2017 budget resolution are being utilized to address healthcare reform, the FY 2018 budget resolution cannot be put up for a final vote until the House and Senate finalize a healthcare page (passage of a new budget resolution would invalidate the previous budget resolution).
President Trump’s FY 2018 Budget Proposal Anticipated on May 23
Administration officials are reporting that the President’s full FY 2018 budget request will be submitted to Congress next week. In addition to a 10-year balanced budget plan, the President has indicated in recent days that his budget will also address entitlement and mandatory spending.
This Week’s Hearings:
House Appropriations Committee
-
On Tuesday, May 16, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies has scheduled a hearing titled “American Indian and Alaska Native Public Witness Hearing.”
-
On Wednesday, May 17, the House Appropriation Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies has scheduled a hearing titled “Advances in Biomedical Research.”
-
On Wednesday, May 17, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch has scheduled a hearing titled “House of Representatives: FY 2018 Budget.”
-
On Wednesday, May 17, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government has scheduled a hearing titled “The Judiciary.”
-
On Wednesday, May 17, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch has scheduled a hearing titled “Architect of the Capitol: FY 2018 Budget.”
-
On Thursday, May 18, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security has scheduled a hearing titled “Requirements, Priorities, and Future Acquisition Plans.”
-
On Thursday, May 18, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies has scheduled a hearing titled “Emerging Transportation Technologies.”
-
On Thursday, May 18, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch has scheduled a hearing titled “U.S. Capitol Police: FY 2018 Budget.”
-
On Thursday, May 18, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch has scheduled a hearing titled “Library of Congress: FY 2018 Budget.”
Senate Budget Committee
-
On Wednesday, May 17, the Senate Budget Committee has scheduled a hearing titled “Ways to Run the Government for Less.”
