Policy Corner: August 18, 2023
Categories: Policy Corner Archives
House Speaker Says Lawmakers May Pass a CR to Fund Federal Government
Following a conference call with Republican members this week, U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said that Republicans are planning to take up a continuing resolution (CR) when they return September 12 to avoid a partial government shutdown. The current federal fiscal year ends September 30, necessitating a funding measure to keep federal agencies and programs operating starting October 1. So far, the House has only passed one of its 12 annual appropriations bills, which is the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs (VA) bill.
Speaker McCarthy indicated that a short-term funding measure would extend funding until early December. However, the CR would extend funding for programs at the current level, which is more than what was approved in H.R. 3746, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, signed into law June 3, 2023. H.R. 3746 called for limits on the growth of federal discretionary spending over the next two years. House appropriators have recommended even less funding for fiscal year 2024 than was agreed to in the debt ceiling bill. Some Republicans are opposed to funding federal government at the current level, even if short-term.
Meanwhile, the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved all twelve spending bills, but has stayed within the levels previously agreed to, which is higher than what the House Republicans appropriators are recommending. Should lawmakers not pass spending bills to fully fund the government by Jan. 1, the debt limit bill calls for reducing discretionary spending across the board by one percent.
DOL Announces Funding to Help Youth and Young Adults with Disabilities to Transition to Work
Last Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced the availability of more than $69 million in funding over a five-year budget period to support the development of innovative strategies that will help youth and young adults with disabilities transition to the workforce successfully. The funding will be administered by the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and will be awarded in cooperative agreements with four recipients, subject to federal fund availability, at about $17 million per organization. Initial funding is expected to total $12.9 million or $3.2 million per agreement. Eligible entities include state departments of labor, workforce development, or an equivalent state agency with responsibility for labor, employment, education, health and human services, vocational rehabilitation services, and/or workforce development.
Members of Congress Are Home for August Recess
Members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate are in their home districts for the August recess and will return in September. This is always a good time to meet with them as they are out and about for state and county fairs, Labor Day parades, and other local community activities. Should you wish to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with your representative/senators to talk about brain injury, feel free to access materials on the BIAA website which may help in advocating for your interests. The Senate is expected to return on Sept. 5, while the House is expected to return Sept. 12.