While we have all been focused on passage of a continuing resolution to reopen the federal government, but I also wanted to update you on the larger appropriations process.

We understand that Congress is close to a bicameral, bipartisan agreement on three bills funding Agriculture-FDA, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction-VA programs, among the least contentious of the twelve annual appropriations measures. In September, House members voted to officially form a conference committee with their Senate colleagues and appropriators have already been unofficially negotiating the bicameral measure behind closed doors. Rumors are that they are close to agreement and there is a desire to pair them with a measure to reopen the government.

If lawmakers can enact their first three-bill package, another tranche could be on the way. House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole told reporters last week he would like to see bicameral talks on the Energy and Water, Interior-Environment, and Transportation-HUD funding bills.  It is these bills, not the continuing resolution to reopen the government, that remain the vehicle for community project funding, or “earmarks.”