Senate Releases Spending Bills for Fiscal Year 2021
Senate appropriators released all 12 of their fiscal year 2021 spending bills on the morning of November 10, 2020. Lawmakers have until December 11, 2020 to secure government spending and avoid a federal shutdown. Both Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) have called for a new omnibus spending bill, which would fund all government agencies in a single large package, rather than another continuing resolution that only funds the government temporarily at previous levels.
One of the largest points of contention in a spending bill is the inclusion of COVID-19 relief. Democrats, Republicans, and the White House have different pictures of what a COVID-19 relief package should look like. Senate Republicans have supported a $500 billion virus package, without $1,200 stimulus checks for individuals or aid to state and local governments. House and Senate Democrats continue to push for a $2.4 trillion measure. House Speaker Pelosi has stated that she will not settle for a smaller spending package.
As a part of the Senate appropriations package, Republicans are proposing a federal pay freeze for civilian employees. This freeze would include senior level employees unless they are promoted to positions of higher pay. Back in February, President Trump proposed a 1% pay increase for federal employees.
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), a member of the Senate appropriations committee, had objections with many of the Republicans’ spending proposals. The absence of COVID-19 aid was a major objection. House appropriations spokesman Evan Hollander said of the funding package, “House appropriators are reviewing these bills right now and are prepared to quickly begin bipartisan negotiations. There is strong momentum to complete the fiscal year 2021 appropriations process this year.”
A budget cap deal between Congress and the Trump administration set the 2021 fiscal year budget at $1.298 trillion. House Democrats’ bills included $247.4 billion in emergency spending on the virus and a boost to veterans’ health funds. Senate appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL) said, “We’re trying, and I think if we have some leadership from both sides to let us move a bill there is a good chance we can move a bill. Time after time, we have demonstrated our willingness to work together and get the job done. We have before us the opportunity to deliver for the American people once again.”
The Senate Committee on Appropriations has not voted on any of the 12 spending bills and they are expected to enter into closed-door talks with House Democrats soon.