Congress Returns for Packed Lame Duck Session

Congress returned to Washington after the November midterm elections to a long list of year end to-dos. Two pieces of must-pass legislation still pending include the fiscal year (FY) 2023 appropriations bills and the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As is common, either bill could become the vehicle for other legislative priorities (such as aid to Ukraine) that Congress is hoping to enact before the end of the calendar year. However, the path to the finish line has not yet been made clear. Current funding for the federal government expires on December 16. While we expect lawmakers to complete work on FY 2023 appropriations this year through passage of an omnibus spending package, another short-term continuing resolution may be needed to give Congress a few more days to put it together. It is unclear at this time what else, if anything, may be attached to a final FY 2023 funding package. Follow COSSA’s appropriations coverage here.

Lawmakers are also hoping to pass bills in these last few weeks related to marriage equality and election reform. The Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404) could see passage in the Senate in the coming days after which it will return to the House for a final vote. In addition, the Presidential Election Reform Act (H.R. 8873) is also being considered in the Senate and could see a vote before the end of the year. This bill, which comes in direct response to the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol, is intended to clarify the role of the Vice President with respect to certifying state results in presidential elections, among other provisions.

With only a dozen or so working days left in the year, Congress is expected to log several late nights. Stick with COSSA’s coverage for the latest developments.