As the COVID-19 outbreak and related restrictions continue, the congressional calendar, which was already compounded to accommodate for 2020 elections, will get tighter. Responding to the public health crisis and addressing the immediate economic impacts of the pandemic remain congressional priorities. However, policymakers are also looking at longer-term recovery options, as well as improving U.S. preparedness to respond to future public health threats. Furthermore, prior to the spread of the virus in the U.S., Congress was already confronting a number of looming policy expirations this year.
Read MoreAs Congress returned from the Fourth of July holiday this week, the House and Senate will dedicate much of their time between now and the brief August recess to passing legislation to continue funding the federal government. While Congress may ultimately turn to a continuing resolution that punts an omnibus appropriations bill to the lame duck session or into next year, we anticipate that both chambers will try to move as many appropriations measures via minibus packages before fiscal year 2018 appropriations expire on September 30.
Read MoreHurricane Harvey continues to devastate Houston, Texas, and Congress must either quickly reauthorize or pass a short-term extension for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which expires September 30th.
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