Congress Faces Myriad Funding Questions As Spending Deadline Looms
• How much additional defense spending above the debt deal's caps, if any, will Congress approve? The House wants none, while the Senate wants $8 billion.
• Will the $69 billion domestic spending "handshake deal" accompany the debt deal be honored? House conservatives oppose it, while Democrats insist it's critical.
• Will other "emergency" spending like the Senate's $14 billion be allowed? House conservatives say no, calling it budget gimmicks.
• Which "poison pill" policy riders will survive congressional negotiations? Some moderate Republicans want to ditch controversial provisions.
• How will Congress package the 12 spending bills - one omnibus or separate minibuses? Leaders have less time for a piecemeal approach.