Topline
The week ahead will be the busiest for Congress this year. As the Senate attempts to avoid a shutdown of government and a default on U.S. debts, the House will consider several of President Joe Biden's proposed spending bills.
From left: Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Senate... Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), update reporters about Democratic efforts to pass President Joe Biden’s "Build Back Better” agenda at the Capitol in Washington on Thursday, September 23, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Key Facts
Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi promised that moderates would be able to consider the Senate's $1.9 trillion core bill by Monday. On Monday, a $3.5 trillion bill for social spending was filed in the House. House Democrats were told in a Saturday letter that it must be passed this week. Democratic Caucus Meeting. Pelosi stated in her letter that her caucus would meet Monday evening to attempt to bridge the gap between moderates who seek less ambitious reconciliation spending and progressives who see $3.5 trillion as a compromise. Continuing Resolution (CR). The Senate must approve the House's stopgap spending bill. It includes funds requested by President Trump for Afghan refugee resettlement, and disaster relief. This will prevent a government shutdown. The CR Debt Ceiling Increase: A poison pill for Republicans is contained in the CR: An increase in the debt limit to cover spending authorized by Trump's administration. This was pushed into reconciliation by GOP senators so that Democrats can pass it. Milley Testimony: On Tuesday, Gen. Mark Milley will testify before Senate Armed Services Committee. This is his first public appearance since the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
Big Number
8. This is the total number of House Republicans that have stated they will vote for the bipartisan infrastructure legislation. Many GOP members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus have stated that they will vote against the bill as GOP leaders have urged them to. House Progressives claim they have many votes against the bill, if reconciliation is not approved by both chambers of Congress before then.
Important Quote
Pelosi stated that the next few days would be intense and she urged her Democratic counterpart to keep her on track.
What to Watch
The House faces a series of deadlines that are largely self-imposed, but some lawmakers believe they are arbitrary. If the Senate fails to pass the continuing resolution on time, it could have dire consequences. Experts warn that the U.S. could default if the debt ceiling isn't raised by mid October, leading to uncharted territory and potentially disastrous consequences.
