In keeping with the overall theme of challenges facing the twelve funding bills for Fiscal Year 2024, House leaders paused consideration of the FY24 defense spending package (H.R. 4365) this week. There are concerns the bill does not currently have the votes necessary to approve the rules package that controls House floor debate. This adds to the complications facing the end of Fiscal Year 2023 (September 30, 2023) and the potential for a government shutdown. House leaders are hopeful the pause will give them enough time to gather the votes needed to approve the rule that governs debate.

The Rules committee approved a rule allowing full House consideration of 184 amendments to the $826.4 billion bill. The full House must approve the rule before it can debate the underlying bill. The challenges facing the defense bill signal additional challenges other spending bills, such as the Homeland Security bill House leaders intend to bring to the floor during the week of September 18.