Chances of budget deal fade as opposition grows
After the government shutdown ended earlier this month, congressional leaders expressed hope they could forge a deal that would address government spending over the next two years. But on the eve of President Trump’s first State of the Union address, lawmakers’ expectations of a spending deal were quickly diminishing under pressure from Republicans and Democrats in both chambers. Defense hawks were pushing for high military spending, but budget hawks were rebelling at the eno
Disputes Threaten ‘Dreamer’ Deal and a Government Shutdown
WASHINGTON—Senators worked Tuesday to salvage a bipartisan plan to protect “Dreamers”—young undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. by their parents—as the divide grew over an immigration deal seen as key to avoiding a government shutdown this weekend. The White House complicated the negotiations by insisting that Congress allocate billions more for President Donald Trump’s promised border wall with Mexico. Without a spending agreement by 12:01 a.m. Saturday, the governme
Congress Likely to Consider Another Short-Term Funding Measure
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said Thursday that lawmakers should expect to vote on yet another stopgap measure to fund the government ahead of a Jan. 19 shutdown deadline. McCarthy announced that another short-term continuing resolution is likely during a discussion with Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., about the chamber’s schedule for next week. Congress faces the prospect of a government shutdown in eight days, if lawmakers cannot come to an agreement on
Trump’s endorsement of earmarks intoxicates Congress
When Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart found out that President Donald Trump had endorsed earmarks on national television, the 15-year House veteran fist-pumped into the air. “Am I smiling when I’m not supposed to?” the Florida Republican told reporters, chuckling. In a week consumed by infighting over immigration, it was Trump’s unexpected affirmation of pork-barrel spending that had Washington spinning. Trump's improvised tribute to earmarks Tuesday lasted just two minutes after an un
