Republicans enter this week on target to pass a sweeping tax reform package after securing support from Senators Corker (TN) and Rubio (FL). Additionally Susan Collins (ME) applauded the “inclusion of multiple amendments,” but stopped short of publicly supporting the measure. Senator Collins’ vote and the commitments she receives in exchange for her vote remains a pivotal piece to forecasting the week and months ahead.

Congress will also have to find a path forward on a government-spending bill, with the deadline of December 22nd fast approaching. The House introduced a continuing resolution (CR) last week that provides defense funding for FY18. While the

CR would also extend CHIP for five-years, delay DSH cuts 2 years, and provide community health center funding for 2 years, it remains far from clear that Senate Republicans would support the bill much less Senate Democrats.