U.S. Defense Budget Legislation On Hold

U.S. Defense Legislation On Hold

WASHINGTON --- Work on the FY17 defense authorization and appropriations bills will be put on hold until after the November elections, according to sources cited by InsideDefense Several committee staffers said that discussions have been paused, meaning lawmakers will be unable to finalize either the policy or spending bill before heading home ahead of the elections.

There are significant differences in both bills between the House and Senate, stemming from moves by the House to shift Overseas Contingency Operations funding to pay for base budget priorities. The shift would leave military operations unfunded beyond April 2017, requiring supplemental funding from the next administration to pay for operations through the rest of the fiscal year.

The Senate, meanwhile, is scheduled to vote to begin debate on a continuing resolution to keep the government funded at current levels once the 2017 fiscal year begins on October 1. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said earlier this month that he would not support a long-term CR.

It is likely Congress will implement a stopgap bill that lasts up to three months, with the FY17 defense legislation being considered during the lame duck session.

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