This Week on the Hill: Clock Ticks for Key Fiscal Deadlines

Congress returns to action this week to begin a three-week legislative session prior to leaving for the August recess. The limited floor time in July is stirring up angst among lawmakers as both chambers remain far apart on addressing key fiscal deadlines pertaining to budgetary spending caps, appropriations, and the debt ceiling. Negotiations between top Congressional leaders and the White House are expected to continue in the coming weeks in hopes of striking a deal ahead of the upcoming fall deadlines.  

When the House returns tomorrow, lawmakers will look to clear 12 suspension bills out of the Financial Services and Judiciary Committees prior to moving on to the lower chamber’s version of the fiscal year (FY) 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). For the balance of the month, Democrats are expected to call up legislation that would increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2020, as well as bills aimed at bringing down health care costs. Meanwhile, the Senate will resume legislative business later this afternoon, and is expected to focus primarily on clearing presidential nominations.