Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Capitol Hill This Week - What to Watch For


Both the House and Senate have reconvened following a two-week recess.  Congressional appropriations leaders hope to move their 2015 fiscal year spending bills quickly to the floor for consideration (the House floor as soon as this week and the Senate floor in June).  However, those hopes may be dashed, since the annual spending bills risk getting caught up in partisan policy fights. House leaders have committed to debating the spending bills under what is known as an open rule, which means that House members would not be prohibited from offering specific amendments (or "riders")  that either encourage or prohibit federal agencies from carrying out a variety of politically-charged activities. Therefore, the appropriation measures may end up being amended by a variety of such riders, slowing down debate, and making consensus achievement problematic. Ultimately, the much-hyped fast start to the appropriations process could fizzle quickly.

Below are the U.S. House and Senate committee hearings currently on this week's calendar that relate to Mississippi River Basin water resources.  Links are provided to the relevant committee pages on the Internet. Many Congressional proceedings are webcast live, and these may be, as well (follow the appropriate link). All times are Eastern.  This page will be updated as warranted.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday

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