I. Work on the Hill

Congress devoted April to FY2026 budget planning and oversight of agency reforms and engaged in discussions of foreign aid and the State Department. The government remains funded through September 30th, 2025, under (H.R. 1968), the full-year continuing resolution passed in March, while Congress continued working on a broader fiscal framework. The House advanced (H.Con.Res.14), a concurrent budget resolution that sets nonbinding fiscal targets and directs committees to identify potential spending cuts for FY2026 and beyond. While neither chamber passed a formal concurrent budget resolution, House and Senate leaders continued negotiations. Republican leadership advanced proposals calling for roughly $880 billion in spending cuts and rescissions for FY2026. These amendments, still under discussion in committee, reflect efforts to set fiscal priorities through 2034. House leaders say they aim to complete reconciliation bills by Memorial Day. In short, Congress is focused on big-picture budget cuts and efficiency reforms in procurement and appropriations, actions that could reshape funding for international development and domestic programs alike.

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I. Work on the Hill

As March comes to an end, Republican leadership in Congress spent this month advancing an ambitious fiscal agenda through the budget reconciliation process. In mid-February, the House Budget Committee approved a FY2025 budget resolution on a party-line vote, launching this effort. The resolution instructs House committees to draft legislation achieving up to $2 trillion in spending cuts as offsets for roughly $4.5 trillion in tax cuts over the next decade. This framework would permit increasing the deficit by about $3.3 trillion while using reconciliation to sidestep Senate filibusters. Major savings targets include $880 billion from programs under the Energy & Commerce Committee (e.g., Medicaid), a point of contention as hospitals and advocates warn against deep Medicaid cuts. Republican leaders aim to unite their caucus around this plan despite concerns from Democrats (and some moderates) about its impact on social programs. Notably, any final budget will also need to address the debt ceiling by this summer – the debt limit reset in January and is projected to become binding as early as August 2025 if not suspended or raised.

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Work on the Hill

As February comes to an end, Republican leadership in the House and Senate continue to move forward with their plans to pursue their tax and spending priorities using the budget reconciliation process. The first step in that process is for Congress to pass a budget resolution with instructions for Congressional committees to approve policy changes that achieve the spending and revenue targets in the budget.

On February 13, the House Budget Committee voted to approve a budget resolution in a party line vote (21-16). The resolution directs the House Ways & Means Committee to produce tax legislation that increases the deficit by no more than $4.5 trillion. However, that number may be reduced if the other authorizing committees cannot generate savings of at least $2 trillion. Overall, the plan allows for an increase of up to $3.3 trillion in the deficit over a decade.

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Work on the Hill

Throughout January, Congress has been focused on the transition of power following the November elections. President Trump and Vice President Vance were inaugurated on January 20th, and Congress has been holding confirmation hearings for the new cabinet nominees. Discussions are underway regarding potential legislative priorities for the new administration, with healthcare, energy policy, and infrastructure investment emerging as key areas of focus. Additionally, Congress is facing a deadline to reauthorize several expiring programs, including those related to agriculture and transportation. Debate is expected on the appropriate levels of spending for these programs, with potential for partisan disagreements.

Senate Finance Health Staff Meeting: Senator Cassidy’s health staff on the Finance Committee walked Lobbyit through a number of healthcare priorities for the upcoming year.

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Work on the Hill

Throughout December, Congress has been engaged in a flurry of major activity as the year draws to a close. A bipartisan agreement is emerging on a year-end health care package, which includes provisions impacting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), telehealth expansion, hospital-at-home programs, community health center funding, and health plan transparency. Additionally, the House passed a compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on December 11th, which includes significant defense spending and policy changes. To avoid a government shutdown, Congress has reportedly reached a bipartisan deal to extend government funding until March 14th, 2025, including over $100 billion in emergency disaster relief funds.

Lobbyit remains focused on monitoring legislative developments and working with lawmakers to secure NEA’s priorities at the end of the 118th and into the 119th Congress.

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Work on the Hill

On Capitol Hill, November has brought a renewed focus as Congress reconvened on November 12, 2024, following its extended recess. With the legislative calendar now condensed, lawmakers have been addressing several critical issues in the final weeks of the year. Committees have ramped up their activities, and the overall pace of congressional action has accelerated as the year’s end approaches.

As the 2024 elections are now behind us, Capitol Hill staffers are not only focused on wrapping up the immediate legislative agenda but also diligently preparing for the 119th Congress. The outcomes of the elections will play a pivotal role in shaping the legislative priorities of the next session. It remains crucial to maintain active engagement with lawmakers to ensure our priorities are front and center in these discussions.

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Work on the Hill

On Capitol Hill, October proved to be a relatively uneventful month as Congress continues its long recess until November 12, 2024. With legislative business paused, some committees have remained active, but the overall pace of action has slowed.

Despite the lull in congressional activity, Capitol Hill staffers are diligently preparing for the upcoming 119th Congress. Given the ongoing preparations for the next Congress, it is crucial to maintain our engagement with Capitol Hill to ensure our priorities remain at the forefront of its agenda. With the 2024 elections rapidly approaching, the 119th Congress’s agenda will significantly shift depending on the election’s outcome. Lobbyit is well-positioned to navigate the uncertain political landscape and continue engagement with lawmakers from both parties to ensure our priorities are reflected in the next legislative agenda.

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Work on the Hill

August recess wrapped up with Congress poised to begin new appropriations negotiations with a quick ramp-up to the election. The FY25 appropriations process remained a top priority. The looming September 30 deadline for government funding intensified the pressure on both chambers to find common ground and avoid a government shutdown. On September 25, the House of Representatives Speaker passed a clean Continuing Resolution (CR) through December 2025, which the Senate also passed later that evening. This result means a government shutdown will be averted, and government spending levels will remain unchanged through December 2025.

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Work on the Hill

August brought a mix of progress and gridlock to Capitol Hill as lawmakers juggled the FY25 appropriations process with district work periods. On July 24, 2024, the House passed the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY 2025. The Senate remains deadlocked over contentious issues, casting a shadow over the timely passage of all 12 appropriations bills.

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Work on the Hill

June was a busy month on Capitol Hill as Congress geared up for passage of the FY25 appropriations bills and preparations for the July work period.

The House vote on June 14th for the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act marked the start of Congress’s months-long process of approving all appropriations bills for FY 2025. On June 27, in his first public testimony since stepping down from government office, Dr. Anthony Fauci testified before a contentious House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic about the Covid pandemic. The hearing focused on lessons learned during the pandemic. Fauci addressed claims related to funding for virology research in China and the possibility of a lab leak.

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