Thursday: Appropriations work continues …

The House is expected to complete consideration of the 2015 Defense appropriations bill. Members will vote on a multitude of amendments before final passage. 

Since the measure is being considered under a modified open rule, members can offer an unlimited number of amendments. Debate is limited to ten minutes per amendment.

{mosads}The chamber will likely recess to accommodate the House GOP leadership election at 2 p.m.

The Senate starts at 9:30 a.m. and is expected to continue debate on a $120 billion “minibus” spending bill that includes appropriations for the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development. No votes are currently scheduled.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) and ranking member Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) have urged senators to start offering amendments.

Senate Republicans are also expected to take the floor in the morning to criticize President Obama’s foreign policies.