Congress back in session with possible 2024 spending deal

by ian

Congressional leaders yesterday announced a top-line spending agreement for this fiscal year, the first step in avoiding a partial government shutdown next Friday.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) says the deal caps discretionary spending at $1.59 trillion, a figure that includes $886 billion for defense and $704 billion for non-defense spending.

While Johnson touted concessions, including cuts to the IRS, some conservatives aren’t happy. The House Freedom Caucus released a statement calling the deal a “total failure” and arguing the proposal will likely cost $70 billion more than estimated.

Their frustration could cause problems later this week as lawmakers scramble to finalize all 12 appropriations bills, none of which have cleared both chambers so far.

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