What We're Tracking in DC
Budget Reconciliation Update
Back from the April recess, House Republicans are moving quickly to pass a budget reconciliation package that includes many of the conference’s priorities. This week, several House Committees began markups of their respective pieces of the package.
Still to come is the Ways and Means Committee, which is tasked with writing legislation to extend and expand the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) has not yet announced when the Committee will host a markup. House leadership is still hoping for the House to consider the full reconciliation package on the floor by the Memorial Day recess, but it is unclear if that can happen. Still, given the ambitious timeline, the process is likely to move quickly once it starts, with text possibly released only hours before a markup and subsequent Committee vote.
Once our team knows more, we will be sure to share it out. And to keep up with the budget reconciliation process, Council members can check out this tracker.
House Oversight Agenda Published
Earlier this week, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform published each House Committee’s oversight plans for the 119th Congress. In addition to many provisions, the House plans to conduct oversight on several issues related to foundations and other nonprofits:
- The Ways and Means Committee will conduct oversight on the IRS’s efforts to monitor tax-exempt organizations.
- The Natural Resources Committee will investigate nonprofits that have contributed to increased illegal immigration as well as foreign influence over nonprofits working on environmental policy.
- The Foreign Affairs Committee will conduct oversight on NGOs operating in regions such as Russia, Ukraine, the Middle East, Africa, and India to ensure compliance with sanctions and other issues. The Committee will also examine nonprofits that receive U.S. government funding to conduct humanitarian aid abroad.
- The House Administration Committee will examine the role nonprofits play in federal elections.