Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio). Photo from Facebook
Republican lawmakers and the White House reached a deal to fund the federal government for the next two years. The Bipartisan Budget Act boosts overall spending levels by about $80 billion for fiscal year 2016, which started October 1, and fiscal year 2017. The deal opens the door for potential increases to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service, whose funding levels have been cut or have remained flat due to sequestration and the inability of Congress to pass appropriations bills. The agreement also averts another shutdown of the federal government. Additionally, it increases the debt ceiling, which is due to reach its limit in the next few days. The bill is due for a vote in the House as early as Wednesday. Passage will represent the last major action of Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), who is expected to step down as Speaker and retire from Congress on Friday. The government is currently funded through December 11 under H.R.719, the Continuing Appropriations Act. Get the Story:
Congress, White House reach two-year budget deal (The Washington Post 10/27)
Congress and White House Reach Tentative Budget Deal (The New York Times 10/27)
Budget Deal Isn’t Boehner’s ‘Grand Bargain’ but Gets Job Done (The New York Times 10/27)
Congress and White House Reach Budget Deal to Avert Default (AP 10/26)
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