Next week, the House is expected to return from August Recess early for a week-long session to debate multiple infrastructure packages’ processes and potential passage. This includes the Senate passed bipartisan 1 trillion dollar infrastructure package that includes $600 billion in new money and relies heavily on PAB financing. The Chamber also passed a budget reconciliation resolution, an outline paving the way for an additional $3.5 trillion in infrastructure spending this year. Both items are now awaiting review in the House.
In response to a group of 9 rank-and-file Democrats demanding the House pass the bipartisan infrastructure package before advancing the budget reconciliation outline, House Leadership has taken steps to pass a rule allowing for the Chamber to take up the bipartisan infrastructure bill alongside the budget outline. It seems this is the most likely path to be followed next week, however, the Rule needed to attempt this gambit has yet to be drafted or approved.
House Leadership has set a deadline of September 15th for Committee Chairs to submit legislative priorities for the budget reconciliation infrastructure package, setting up a fall debate on the $3.5 trillion package.
The BDA and MBFA continue to press for the inclusion of key muni priorities in the budget reconciliation package. Last week, the MBFA met with Senior Staff in Rep. Terri Sewell’s (D-AL) office to discuss the Congresswoman’s muni package, the LIFT Act, and possible inclusion in the draft budget bill. The MBFA plans to continue meeting with key offices leading up to the introduction of legislative text promoting all muni priorities including:
- The reinstatement of tax-exempt advance refundings,
- Raise the BQ debt limit, and
- Creation of a new direct-pay bond exempt from sequestration.
The MBFA and BDA will continue to provide updates as they become available.
