The annual rush for Congress to finish their must do business and head home for the holidays is underway. This year is somewhat different as majority changes in the House has resulted in leadership changes of the parties and committees. Whether the new House Republican leader – TBD – will be able to centralize power or succumb to demands to decentralize leadership control will determine how cohesive an agenda is put forward next year. Divided government often brings out the best - and the worst - on both sides of the aisle.
The typical end of year must pass bill is agreement on next year’s government funding. A cap is generally agreed to with other high priority issues –Defense, Covid and Ukraine funding topping this year’s list – negotiated to avoid the shutdown of government programs.