Spending outlook: Uncertainty reigns as recess begins

By Andres Picon | 08/02/2024 06:59 AM EDT

Congress is facing short timelines and significant partisan differences as it aims to finalize fiscal 2025 bills.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) during a press conference on agenda items Thursday. Francis Chung/POLITICO

The Senate left for August recess after advancing all but one of its spending bills out of committee, but big fights with the House loom later this year over both spending levels and policy riders.

On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved four bills — including the Energy-Water title — with overwhelming bipartisan support. Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) signaled that it was an important victory for the Senate panel and for Congress’ appropriations work at large.

“We have once again produced strong, bipartisan bills that increase support for families, strengthen our national security, invest in our economy and competitiveness — and can actually be signed into law,” Murray said Thursday.

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The committee approved its Interior-Environment bill last week on a 28-1 vote and has advanced nine more bills with similarly broad support from both sides of the aisle.

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