Monday: DHS funding fight, VA
The fight over how to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues Monday, after lawmakers voted last week to pass a one-week spending bill.
Senators are expected Monday evening to take a procedural vote on whether or not to move toward a conference committee with House lawmakers. House Republicans hope to use that time to reach a deal on President Obama’s executive actions on immigration and how to fund DHS.
{mosads}But Senate Democrats have vowed to block any attempt to go to conference, worried that Republicans could try to add controversial riders to the department’s budget.
Lawmakers, again, have until Friday night to reach a deal to fund the department and avoid a shutdown.
The Senate convenes at 2 p.m. Monday, with votes expected around 5:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, House lawmakers will consider two bills on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). One proposal would allow the VA to enter contracts for transferring veterans to non-departmental medical foster homes, while the other would allow VA Secretary Bob McDonald to rescind bonuses and awards to VA employees.
The House is expected to convene Monday at noon. Votes aren’t expected until 6:30 p.m.