As the 113th Congress approaches the final four months of its first session, only twenty-two bills have become laws as of August 1. These bills include disaster relief for Hurricane Sandy, the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, awarding a congressional gold medal and a measure regarding commemorative coins. In total, the U.S. House of Representatives has introduced 2,899 bills while the U.S. Senate has introduced 1,416 for this year, according to the House Clerkâs Office. A summary of the twenty-two bills signed into law thus far can be found at: http://www.congress-summary.com/C-113th-Congress/Laws_Passed_113th_Congress_Seq.html.
Additionally, none of the fiscal year (FY) 2014 annual spending bills have been passed. Only four of the twelve annual spending bills have been completed by the House, all defense and security-related. The Senate has completed none. With the House and Senate far apart on total spending levels, a government shutdown is possible on October 1, when the current spending law expires. It is increasingly likely Congress will have to pass a short term funding measure, especially since Congress is in session for only nine days in September. The debt ceiling debate will also be a key issue faced by Congress upon its return. The federal government is expected to run out of borrowing authority later this fall and will default on its obligations unless Congress extends that authority.
When lawmakers return on September 9th, it will certainly be interesting to see what is accomplished in the months ahead.
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