Your guide to this summer’s hottest House GOP spending fights

Presented by Wells Fargo: An evening recap of the action on Capitol Hill and preview of the day ahead

Jun 25, 2024 View in browser   By Caitlin Emma and Jennifer Scholtes Presented by Wells Fargo With assists from POLITICO’s Congress team Florida Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, a senior Republican appropriator, said he thinks House GOP lawmakers have "learned from some of the problems” they had passing funding bills last year. | Francis Chung/POLITICO SAVING THE APPROPS PAIN Before House Republicans leave Washington for recess on Friday, they’ll likely have churned through one-third of fiscal 2025’s dozen government funding bills. But the hard part comes after the Fourth of July parades. First things first: The GOP is set to win appropriations brownie points this week with the anticipated passage of their Defense, Homeland Security and State-Foreign Operations spending bills. That trio would join the Military Construction-VA measure – which passed with four Democratic votes earlier this month, lending party leaders what they hope is more leverage in the bipartisan, bicameral government funding talks that are expected to happen after Election Day. Yet it could be a short-lived victory for House Republicans, whose greatest source of suffering is last in the lineup next month. They’re slating their toughest spending bills for tentative floor action at the end of July — including five that divided the GOP conference so severely last year they never made it off the floor. Even after Speaker Mike Johnson tried again to pass the stalled bills when he took over the top post last fall, it couldn’t get done. The GOP’s margin for error is even smaller now. That said, Republicans are already working to ensure they avoid an embarrassing repeat of last summer’s pushback from both conservatives and moderates. Their proposal to fund the Agriculture Department and FDA, for example, omits a provision aimed at blocking mail-order abortion pills that dealt a fatal blow to last year’s version of the spending bill. “One step at a time. I think we’ve learned from some of the problems we had,” said Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-Fla.), a senior party appropriator. “Hopefully we can deliver [the bills].” The counterpoint: Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a conservative hardliner and fiscal hawk, described the goal to pass a dozen spending bills on the floor before August recess as “aggressive.” Asked if Republicans have learned from their mistakes, Massie simply replied: “No.” Here are the flashpoints that remain in each of the five funding bills that House Republicans couldn’t get done last time: Financial Services: The bill to fund the Treasury Department and the IRS is going to be a heavy lift again, thanks to steep funding cuts and reproductive rights issues. The House GOP bill would block a D.C. law that prevents employers from discriminating against workers who seek contraception or family planning services. That provision played a big role in Johnson’s decision to pull last year’s version of the bill from the floor in November, after the House already voted on dozens of amendments. This time cannabis policy is also a sticking point. House Republicans included language in this year’s bill that would bar federal agencies from penalizing financial institutions for serving legal cannabis businesses. But they ditched that provision before approving the measure in committee this month, and GOP appropriators are already predicting a robust floor debate. Agriculture-FDA: In addition to the abortion pill issue that squeezed swing-district Republicans last summer, rank-and-file GOP lawmakers representing agriculture-heavy districts were roiled by proposed spending cuts demanded by conservatives. The funding picture looks a little, but not much, better this year – Republicans are pursuing about a 1 percent cut over current levels for the fiscal year that begins on Oct. 1. Commerce-Justice-Science: Swing-district Republicans thinking about voting “yea” this year should be prepared for attack ads highlighting their support for cutting funding for the FBI and federal prosecutors. Democratic campaign arms teed off on vulnerable GOP incumbents over that, piling on with DCCC criticism of Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.) for supporting the initial House GOP debt limit plan well over a year ago. House conservatives also wanted this year’s bill to defund the state and federal prosecutors going after former President Donald Trump. But the measure stops short, setting up a dramatic potential clash with Trump-aligned conservatives once the measure makes it to the floor. The ongoing throwdown over the FBI moving its headquarters to Maryland also dogs this one – the fiscal 2025 bill would block that relocation. Labor-HHS-Education: House Republicans will unveil the text of their largest domestic spending bill on Wednesday morning. And like last year, GOP appropriators are eschewing tens of billions of dollars negotiated by both parties outside of fiscal 2025 funding caps that could be used to bolster non-defense programs. Moderate Republicans chafed at those lower levels last summer, hesitant to defend cuts to popular education and workforce programs back home, along with anti-abortion policies. Transportation-HUD: GOP leaders were forced to yank their transportation funding bill from the floor twice last year amid a revolt from lawmakers representing districts around Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor who were unable to stomach a proposed $1.5 billion cut to the rail company. The measure is also an enormous source of earmarks, and there’s already bipartisan consternation over a recent change that blocks nonprofits from getting specific economic development money. Democrats are accusing GOP leaders of hurting popular nonprofits like Boys & Girls Clubs in the interest of freezing out other groups that help the LGBTQ+ community. Republicans will debut the latest text for the Transportation-HUD bill on Wednesday morning, alongside the Labor-HHS-Education measure. — Caitlin Emma and Jennifer Scholtes  GOOD EVENING! Welcome to Inside Congress, the play-by-play guide to all things Capitol Hill, on this Tuesday, June 25, where you can always bet against yourself.   A message from Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo seeks broad impact in our communities. As a company, we are focused on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth and financial health. We have donated nearly $2 billion to strengthen local communities over the last five years. What we say, we do. See how.   PRIMARY COLORS  Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s (D-N.Y.) primary battle against Westchester County Executive George Latimer is, according to official counts, the most expensive in the country this year. It’s also exposed some deep Democratic divisions over Israel and the politics of race. Our colleagues in New York have tracked every twist and turn of the primary. Make sure to follow them tonight. There are a lot of competitive races on the ballot tonight, too. Here’s what we’re watching: Two races in New York: In addition to the marquee 16th Congressional District matchup between Bowman and Latimer, Democrats are heading to the polls to choose their nominees in two other purple districts. In the 1st Congressional District, voters will pick between former CNN analyst John Avlon and chemist Nancy Goroff (the party’s 2020 nominee). The winner of that contest will face off against Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in the fall. And in central New York’s 22nd Congressional District, state Sen. John Mannion and DeWitt town board member Sarah Klee Hood (the 2022 nominee) are vying to face GOP Rep. Brandon Williams this fall. House and Senate races in Utah: Republican primaries in Utah will test Trump’s influence in the GOP. Voters are heading to the polls to nominate the party’s successor to retiring Sen. Mitt Romney – Rep. John Curtis, who’s carved out a more moderate lane, is facing Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs, who’s been endorsed by Trump. Whoever prevails will face Democrat Caroline Gleich, a skier and environmentalist who has an uphill climb in the general election. In the 2nd Congressional District, Rep. Celeste Maloy (who has Trump’s endorsement) faces a challenge from veteran Colby Jenkins, who has the backing of Utah’s other senator, Mike Lee. And in the 3rd Congressional District, state Sen. Mike Kennedy – who’d primaried Romney in 2018 – is facing entrepreneur Case Lawrence. A district switcheroo and an intraparty matchup in Colorado: Rep. Lauren Boebert’s decision to switch from the 3rd Congressional District to the 4th Congressional District vacated by Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) has kicked off competitive GOP primaries in both seats. Boebert is the favorite in the 4th District, but has faced tough headlines during her short time in Congress. In the 3rd District, former State Rep. Ron Hanks and attorney Jeffrey Hurd are the top GOP contenders to face Democrat Adam Frisch, who nearly defeated Boebert in 2022. His camp is meddling in the GOP primary this year to boost Hanks, who has a controversial background including attending the Jan. 6 “Stop the Steal” rally. And in the 5th District, Trump-endorsed Colorado GOP chair Dave Williams, who’s courted his own controversy, is facing off against establishment-backed Jeff Crank. South Carolina runoff: A tight runoff in the state’s 3rd District Republican primary will ask voters to choose between a Trump-backed candidate and one backed by Gov. Henry McMaster (R). Trump has endorsed black pastor Mark Burns, while McMaster supports nurse practitioner Sheri Biggs. — Nicholas Wu and Daniella Diaz    THE GOLD STANDARD OF POLICY REPORTING & INTELLIGENCE: POLITICO has more than 500 journalists delivering unrivaled reporting and illuminating the policy and regulatory landscape for those who need to know what’s next. Throughout the election and the legislative and regulatory pushes that will follow, POLITICO Pro is indispensable to those who need to make informed decisions fast. The Pro platform dives deeper into critical and quickly evolving sectors and industries—finance, defense, technology, healthcare, energy—equipping policymakers and those who shape legislation and regulation with essential news and intelligence from the world’s best politics and policy journalists. Our newsroom is deeper, more experienced, and better sourced than any other—with teams embedded in the world’s most active legislative and regulatory power centers. From Brussels to Washington, New York to London, Sacramento to Paris, we bring subscribers inside the conversations that determine policy outcomes and the future of industries, providing insight that cannot be found anywhere else. Get the premier news and policy intelligence service, SUBSCRIBE TO POLITICO PRO TODAY.     GRAVES TRULY OUT Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.) is not only leaving Congress following redistricting that effectively forced him to run against a colleague or seek election in a bluer district, but won’t seek any political office — period. “At this time, I will not be seeking the office of Mayor, Commissioner, PTA president, neighborhood association or dog catcher,” he said in a statement Tuesday. Graves was rumored to be considering a seat on the Louisiana Public Service Commission, which he called “tempting.” But the Louisiana Republican added: “God has a plan. I intend to listen. Here’s to hoping he speaks loud and soon.” — Anthony Adragna   A message from Wells Fargo:   HUDDLE HOTDISH Remember, you can always log off. Paris Hilton will be on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. John Fetterman wore his hoodie — even in 90-degree heat in Israel. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faces an expanded ethics investigation related to her community project funding requests, using official funds for campaign purposes and violating campaign finance laws. Her office said in a statement that the bigger scope did not mean any violation had occurred, that the congresswoman took the matter “very seriously” and that she would comply with the investigation. QUICK LINKS  Indiana Republican pushes Speaker Johnson to support Bannon Supreme Court appeal, from Emily Brooks in The Hill Over 100 women demand apology from rising star GOP candidate exposed for LYING about his age on Tinder by nearly a decade, from Morgan Phillips in The Daily Mail House GOP passes on using funding bills to target Trump prosecutors — for now, from Jordain Carney and Jennifer Scholtes Rosendale pushes spending amendment that declares IVF 'morally wrong' from Anthony   A message from Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo seeks broad impact in our communities. As a company, we are focused on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth and financial health. In 2023, examples of our work include: · Donated approximately $300 million to over 3,000 nonprofits in support of housing, small business, financial health, sustainability, and other community needs. · Opened HOPE Inside centers in 15 markets supporting 57 retail branches to help empower community members to achieve their financial goals through financial education and free one-on-one coaching. · Launched $10,000 Homebuyer Access℠ grants that will be applied toward the down payment for eligible homebuyers who currently live in or are purchasing homes in certain underserved communities. What we say, we do. See how.   TRANSITIONS  Robin Juliano is now policy director for House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.). She previously was staff director for the House Appropriations Committee and is an Obama NEC and Barbara Mikulski alum. James Winner is now comms director for Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.). He previously was press secretary for Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.). Diana Marin is joining JPMorgan as a VP and public affairs comms manager on their corporate responsibility team. She previously was deputy comms director for Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). David Bader is now comms director for Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.). He previously was deputy comms director for Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.). Izzy Olive is now comms director for Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.). She previously was press secretary for Brady: United Against Gun Violence. Mary Werden is now a vice president at ROKK Solutions. She was most previously senior advisor and communications director to House Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ). WEDNESDAY IN CONGRESS The House is in session. The Senate is out.   SUBSCRIBE TO GLOBAL PLAYBOOK: Don’t miss out on POLITICO’s Global Playbook, our newsletter taking you inside pivotal discussions at the most influential gatherings in the world. Suzanne Lynch delivers the world's elite and influential moments directly to you. Stay in the global loop. SUBSCRIBE NOW.     WEDNESDAY AROUND THE HILL 8:00 a.m. Reps. Luna, Crenshaw, Alford, Burchett, McCormick, Cline et al on inherent contempt of Attorney General Merrick Garland (Studio A) 11:00 a.m. Rep. Steven Cohen (D-Tenn.) et al on greater protection of wolves (House Triangle) 1:00 p.m. Rep. Frost et al on the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory declaring gun violence as a public health crisis. (House Triangle) 2:00 p.m. Reps. Mike Thompson, McBath, Carbajal, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force members et al on new movement of gun safety legislation. (Studio A) 3:00 p.m. Democratic Reps. Terri Sewell, Katherine Clark, Pete Aguilar, Steven Horsford and Jim Clyburn on the 11th Anniversary of Shelby County v. Holder (Studio A) 4:30 p.m. Speaker Johnson to lead panel discussion on Title IX and women's sports (H-207) TRIVIA MONDAY’S ANSWER: Charlie Dent was the first to correctly answer that John Quincy Adams was the only president to run for and win a House seat. TODAY’S QUESTION: Which House member represents the location of the ongoing track and field Olympic trials for team USA? The first person to correctly guess gets a mention in the next edition of Inside Congress. Send your answers to insidecongress@politico.com. GET INSIDE CONGRESS emailed to your phone each evening.   Follow us

To change your alert settings, please log in at https://login.politico.com/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.politico.com/settings This email was sent to rouf@idiot.cloudns.cc by: POLITICO, LLC 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA, 22209, USA Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service