Budget Update: The Senate Budget Committee, chaired by Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), plans a hearing Wednesday on the need to revamp the federal budget process. Senate Republicans are currently in discussions with the White House on plans for a budget deal that would raise discretionary spending. This deal could include changes to the budget process.
Other Updates: House Republicans will continue their search this week for Speaker John Boehner’s (R-OH) successor. Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) is expected to respond soon to calls that he run for speaker. If Congressman Ryan declines, several members of Congress are expected to compete for the speakership, including Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Mike McCaul (R-TX). Speaker Boehner has not yet rescheduled the vote to choose the Republican Conference’s nominee for speaker (after Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy left the race). Speaker Boehner has said he will remain speaker past his planned October 30th retirement if a replacement hasn’t been chosen by then.
Members of the House and Senate will also be working this week to come to an agreement on raising the federal debt limit before the November 3rd deadline (at which time the government will no longer be able to make debt payments unless an agreement is reached)