What We're Tracking in DC
Appropriations in Process
Much of Congress’s work since both chambers returned from Memorial Day recess has revolved around appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025. The House Appropriations Financial Services and Government Subcommittee released a draft committee report for its Financial Services spending bill, which includes funding for the Department of the Treasury and the IRS. The proposal includes a $2.2 billion cut for the IRS, including a $2 billion cut in funding for enforcement. The cut to IRS funding represents the bulk of the $2.3 billion overall cut to Treasury. The bill would also continue to restrict Treasury from issuing regulations around 501(c)(4) campaign activity. The House Appropriations Committee favorably reported the bill on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Senate Appropriations Financial Services and Government Subcommittee held a hearing with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Secretary Yellen’s testimony focused on economic recovery post-COVID, Treasury’s national security work, and the IRS’s Direct File pilot. Subcommittee members asked questions about a variety of issues, including sanctions, implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Child Tax Credit.