A Bill… to end the shutdown, increase the debt limit, and a few more things…

Congress passed and the President signed a bill Wednesday to both increase the debt ceiling and reopen the government.  Both measures, however, are temporary: the legislation funds government activities only through Jan. 15, and extends the government’s ability to borrow money through Feb. 7.

Also tucked into the bill are a handful of unrelated measures, such as one addressing NSA privacy concerns that dogged the President and his administration all summer.  Congress appropriated $3.1 million to The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, an entity created in 2004 to review and analyze privacy concerns amid increasing laws and regulations related to fighting terrorist threats.

Sequestration Debate Looms

In just a few months the second round of sequestration cuts will begin, a debate to which Congress will likely turn next.

Politico reported on a conference call held by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) on Tuesday in which 100 defense industry CEOs discussed their Hill strategy to prevent further cuts.  The mandatory spending reductions required under the Budget Control Act (BCA) (known as “sequestration”), have challenged the defense industry especially.  AIA vows to intensify its pressure on Congress to eliminate sequestration through social media, grassroots efforts and continued communications to Capitol Hill.

Many members, especially fiscal conservatives, might be reluctant to modify the terms of sequestration.  According to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, “What the BCA showed is that Washington can cut spending. And because of this law, that’s just what we’ve done. … And we’re not going back on this agreement.”

Mark Your Calendars

With the shutdown over, committees will continue at full capacity.  Here are a few hearings of interest scheduled for next week:

“Next Steps on Egypt Policy.” Thursday, Oct. 24, 10:00a.m., House Committee on Foreign Affairs

“An Independent Assessment of the Navy’s 30 year Shipbuilding Plan,” Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2:00p.m., House Armed Service Committee

“Impacts of a Continuing Resolution and Sequestration on Acquisition and Modernization,” Wednesday, Oct. 23, 3:30p.m., House Armed Service Committee

“Focused Issues on Dignified Burials: A National Cemetery Update,” Thursday, Oct. 24, 10:00a.m., House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

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