[Mick]

Speaking of Congress, they're moving closer to a $1.4 trillion spending bill which will avert a Dec. 11 government shutdown.  They'd been relying on a stopgap spending bill since the fiscal year began on 10/1/20.  Last week, Senate Republicans released 12 draft appropriations bills which should be reconciled with 12 house companion measures into a giant omnibus bill.

This is separate from stalled negotiations on COVID-19 relief.  Senate Repubs want a $500 billion stimulus package while the Democrats want a $2.4 trillion combination stimulus/rescue package.

Sen. Approprs. Chair Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Rnaking Member Patrick Leah (D-VT) say they're in 90% agreement.  They along with House Appr. Chair Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Kay Granger (R-TX) will be working to a detal this week towards the top-line levels of each of the aforementioned 12 component bills.

Sticking point: Repubs are holding out for $2 billion funding for a southern border wall.

[Mick]

Speaking of Congress, they're moving closer to a $1.4 trillion spending bill which will avert a Dec. 11 government shutdown.  They'd been relying on a stopgap spending bill since the fiscal year began on 10/1/20.  Last week, Senate Republicans released 12 draft appropriations bills which should be reconciled with 12 house companion measures into a giant omnibus bill.

This is separate from stalled negotiations on COVID-19 relief.  Senate Repubs want a $500 billion stimulus package while the Democrats want a $2.4 trillion combination stimulus/rescue package.

Sen. Approprs. Chair Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Rnaking Member Patrick Leah (D-VT) say they're in 90% agreement.  They along with House Appr. Chair Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Kay Granger (R-TX) will be working to a detal this week towards the top-line levels of each of the aforementioned 12 component bills.

Sticking point: Repubs are holding out for $2 billion funding for a southern border wall.