Author Archive

Jennifer Shutt

Updated Management

Chance of a government shutdown rises as the Senate fails to advance spending bill

With both parties rejecting each other’s short-term funding proposals, Congress is heading into a weeklong recess with no deal in place and a government shutdown looking increasingly likely.

Management

US rolls toward a 'terrible' government shutdown, no exit ramp in sight

As lawmakers dig in, federal employees face mounting uncertainty over pay, operations and the ripple effects of another prolonged funding lapse.

Oversight

GAO: Trump violated law for sixth time in withholding FEMA funds

A new Government Accountability Office report says the Trump administration delayed funding for federal programs that provide food, shelter, and temporary housing, raising questions about compliance with federal law and the timing of aid.

Management

Despite shutdown deadline, little movement in Congress on spending deal

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., declined to say during a press conference whether he will negotiate a stopgap spending bill with Democrats, or use the go-at-it-alone approach that succeeded in March. 

Management

Will states take on more FEMA duties? Congress, Trump council debate agency’s fate

The future of the natural disaster response agency could depend on a 12-member board crafting recommendations for President Trump.

Management

Judge orders White House budget office to reveal information about spending decisions

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit mandated that the Office of Management and Budget restore a website detailing federal spending timelines.

Management

Judge orders Trump administration to ‘stop violating the law!’ and publish spending details

More than two years ago, Congress began requiring the Office of Management and Budget to publicly post apportionment information. Trump officials pulled down the website in March.

Management

Senate spending panel axes provision moving FBI headquarters to Maryland

The federal government has been debating the best location for a new FBI headquarters for well over a decade while its current office space in the J. Edgar Hoover Building continues to deteriorate.

News

U.S. senators call for security funding boost after Minnesota assassination

Following shootings in Minnesota, senators called for more funding for the U.S. Capitol Police to provide member security.

Management

Trump wants Congress to slash $9.4B in spending now, defund NPR and PBS

The rescissions request allows the White House budget office to legally freeze spending on some accounts for 45 days.

Management

Top Democrats in Congress decry White House 'lack of transparency' in spending plans

The lack of detailed information about how exactly the Trump administration is spending funding approved by Congress has come up during several Appropriations Committee hearings during the last month.

Management

More than 80 lawmakers from both parties urge Trump to unfreeze FEMA funding

The bipartisan group of lawmakers sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency urging support for a grant program that helps local communities strengthen their preparedness for natural disasters.

Management

FEMA leader ousted, one day after publicly opposing agency’s elimination

Cam Hamilton, senior official performing the duties of the administrator at FEMA, was let go just one day after he testified before Congress about the size and scope of the federal agency.

Management

House Republicans object to GOP budget for not cutting enough spending

The blueprint directs the Senate to cut a minimum of $4 billion, while the House instructions task several committees with cutting at least $1.5 trillion in spending.

News

Senate GOP budget resolution sets stage for raising debt limit by as much as $5 trillion

House and Senate committees have until May 9 to submit their portions of a GOP budget reconciliation package.

Management

House Republicans overcome own members’ doubts to push through sweeping budget

The Senate voted last week to approve its budget resolution following a marathon amendment voting session, but House GOP leaders have decided to try to move forward with their own version.

News

New Orleans attack prompts tighter security in D.C. ahead of inauguration, Carter funeral

The Secret Service has already designated Congress’ certification of the Electoral College, Carter’s funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9 and the inauguration as National Special Security Events.

Transition

Musk and Ramaswamy to confront Congress in struggle for control of the public purse

The duo will need to garner support from hundreds of members of Congress for any of their suggested spending cuts as co-chairs of the nongovernmental Department of Government Efficiency, to become law. That is an uphill slog many have failed at before.

Pay & Benefits

No expansion of military IVF coverage included in the final defense policy bill

Congress is expected to vote to approve the package during the next two weeks, before both chambers leave town for the holiday break.