The House has left for the holidays, but the Senate has returned to attempt to reach a bipartisan agreement on President Joe Biden’s national security supplemental package, which would provide additional aid to Ukraine and Israel. However, the parties remain divided over significant changes to the security of the U.S. southern border, which is a requirement from Republicans for their support of any additional aid to Ukraine. Further, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator James Lankford (R-OK), the lead negotiator for Senate Republicans on the supplemental measure, have told colleagues it isn’t clear whether the Senate will vote on the package this week.
Even if the Senate does manage to craft and pass a spending bill this week, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has stated they will not return to consider the legislation until January. When they do, there will be substantial difficulties getting the GOP Freedom Caucus and Democrats to agree on the border security components of the legislation.
Separately, the Senate will attempt to pass another extension of the Federal Aviation Act authorities until March 8 to allow negotiators more time to agree on a long-term extension. The House passed the short-term extension last week.
The Administration
On Tuesday, President Biden and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will speak at the National Cathedral memorial service for Sandra Day O’Connor. On Wednesday, Biden will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for a campaign event to discuss the state of the economy. Later, on Saturday, Biden will travel to Camp David.
Senate Side
On Monday, the Senate will vote on the nomination of Martin O’Malley to lead the Social Security Administration. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has also filed cloture on Christopher Fonzone’s nomination to be an assistant attorney general and Sara Hill’s nomination to be a judge for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Additionally, the Senate may vote on Elizabeth Richard’s nomination to be the State Department’s counterterrorism coordinator and on multiple military promotions.
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