Congress Hits Roadblocks in Early Budget Talks for 2024
• House and Senate remain divided on top-line government spending figure for fiscal year 2024; have yet to agree on total funding amount • Disagreements exist over spending levels and ideological demands between House GOP conservatives and Senate Democrats • House Republicans initially sought deep budget cuts compared to fiscal 2022, though some conservatives have softened stance • Hurdles ahead reconciling partisan provisions in bills, including House GOP priorities seen as nonstarters by Senate Dems • Complicating talks, increased enrollment in WIC nutrition program has spurred calls for more funding that parties disagree on