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Analysis: This week, the House will begin taking up the 12 annual appropriations bills that fund the government. Up first will be the bills that fund the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Homeland Security, and military construction. The two bills will be considered under an open rule ensuring a lively floor process with unlimited amendments. The funding levels in these bills will be adjusted by the sequester-enforced spending reductions.
Major Floor Action:
- HR 1919 – Safeguarding America’s Pharmaceuticals Act of 2013
- HR 2216 – Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act
- HR 2217 – Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2013
Major Committee Action:
- The House Ways and Means Committee will hold a hearing on the IRS conservative targeting scandal.
- The House Armed Services Committee will hold a markup of the Defense Authorization bill.
- The House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on the “Medicaid Physician Payment Overhaul.”
Senate Cloakroom: June 3 – June 7
Analysis: Debate will continue in the Senate this week on the farm bill. The legislation is a five-year authorization for funding for both farm subsidies and food stamps. Despite being labeled as the “farm” bill, 80 percent of the funding in the bill goes toward food stamps. The bill is expected to pass this week, and then the Senate is very likely to turn to the Gang of Eight’s immigration reform bill (S 744).
Major Floor Action:
- S 954 – Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013
Major Committee Action:
- The Senate Budget Committee will hold a hearing on the “Fiscal and Economic Impact of Austerity.”
- The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on “Iran Sanctions.”
- The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on the nomination of Michael Froman to be U.S. Trade Representative.