By: Alex Cameron
WASHINGTON, D.C. -
The United States House of Representatives will head into its summer break, having this week passed nine of the twelve appropriations bills that traditionally make up the federal budget. The spending measures contain significant increases for several agencies, reflecting the wishes of the Biden administration, but were almost universally opposed by Republicans who say there is, essentially, zero chance they will become law.
"It’s just this huge wish list," said Rep. Markwayne Mullin, (R) OK-2, "that has no way to get across the Senate."
Democratic leaders say the proposed increases are needed after years of disinvestment and with the devastation from the pandemic. Education, Labor, Health & Human Services, and Veterans Affairs are among the Departments that would see real boosts in funding if the bills were to become law.