5-day spending patch / energy & ACA affected / sone Dems concerned (5 articles)
Campaign for America's Future
SPENDING TALKS NEAR COMPLETION
Senate passes 5-day patch to keep government open. Politico:
“The five-day continuing resolution, approved by voice vote, lasts through Wednesday. The House is expected to follow suit on Friday with an identical stopgap measure.”
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/12/budget-stalled-paul-ryan-mitch-mcconnell-216643
Deal on spending and taxes expected Monday. The Hill:
“Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), a member of the Appropriations Committee, said negotiators are making progress on whittling down policy amendments. ‘We were down to 42,’ she said. ‘I think we could squeeze it to 35.'”
http://thehill.com/homenews/news/262875-congressional-leaders-expect-funding-deal-to-be-unveiled-monday
Could include energy compromise. The Hill:
“Lifting the decades-old [crude oil] export ban has been a top energy priority for Republicans for more than a year … Democrats, viewing the ban as a valuable bargaining chip, are demanding plenty in return … talks have largely centered on how long the renewed tax incentives for wind and solar power would last.”
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/262874-deal-to-end-oil-export-ban-in-sight
And Obamacare changes. The Hill:
“… expected to be in the package: a two-year delay of the “Cadillac tax” on high cost health insurance and a two-year suspension of the excise tax on medical devices. But sources say a one-year suspension of the Health Insurance Tax, also known as the ‘premium tax,’ in 2018, is also in the mix.”
http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/262855-lawmakers-eye-one-year-suspension-of-obamacares-premium-tax
Some Dems nervous about Obamacare provisions. The Hill:
“… even as most supporters of the law say they’d support a two-year delay of both taxes, some Democrats say they’re worried that it will only empower opponents to chip away at the law — jeopardizing its long-term fate.”
http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/262854-dems-warn-against-obamacare-tax-delays