CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Intergovernmental Relations Council Committee
FROM: Jeff Coyle, Director of Government & Public Affairs
SUBJECT: 115th Congress Federal Legislative Update
DATE: June 8, 2018
This update will provide a mid-year update of key issues that have advanced during the second session of the 115th Congress and the federal legislative advocacy efforts by the City. The 115th Congress is comprised of two one-year sessions running from January 3, 2017 to January 3, 2019. The Congress is mid-way through their second session. Below is a summary of the topics that will be covered.
115th Second Session Recap
Federal Budget: On February 9 Congress passed a 2 year budget package, which was subsequently signed by the President. Congress' package raised budget caps by $300 billion (which sets the maximum amount that Congress can allocate), increased the debt ceiling and included nearly $90 billion in disaster relief for Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. Of the $300 billion, roughly $165 billion would go to the Pentagon with $131 billion earmarked for non-defense programs.
FY 2018 Omnibus Appropriations: On March 23, the Omnibus Appropriations Bill (H.R. 1625) was signed into law by the President. The bill included a $1.3 trillion package that funds the federal government through September 30, 2018. The package maintains or increases funding for programs that cities use to fund infrastructure, public safety, homeland security, housing, and economic development, among others. Ultimately, Congress rejected the severe budget reductions proposed by the Administration and increased funding in many key areas for FY 2018. City staff will present a summary of key funding areas included in the FY 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.
FY 2019 Appropriations: On February 12 the President sent his FY 2019 budget request to Congress. Similar to last year, the President proposed the elimination of many key programs that...
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