Attention in Congress will soon turn to the annual appropriations process and passage of fiscal year 2021 spending bills.  In addition to funding the entire US government each year, the 12 Appropriations Committee bills in the House and Senate shape federal public policy that touches every person and business in the United States.  The new fiscal year begins on October 1.

In the coming weeks and months, standing committees in the House and Senate will be focused on must-pass legislation including the National Defense Authorization Act, the Water Resources Development Act, a surface transportation bill, and passage of appropriations bills for fiscal year 2021.

New COVID-19 health and safety protocols on Capitol Hill are presenting Congress with a series of unique challenges.  The legislative process is going to look very different as compared to even several months ago.  See a discussion here on our Capital Thinking Blog.