The Grind:
Democratic leaders are scrambling to get their massive $1.7 trillion omnibus government spending bill across the finish line before the end of this week, with some Republicans pushing back against unrelated measures they argue are unnecessary to include.
Among the 4,155-page spending bill is a number of measures that would designate certain buildings or programs to be named after top lawmakers, such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who is stepping down from her leadership role next month. As part of the spending bill, the legislation would name the San Francisco federal building at 90 7th Street after the California Democrat. Pelosi is among those who have urged the passing of the government funding bill.
The Details:
“It is urgent and necessary that we enact this omnibus package so that we may keep government open and delivering for America’s families,” Pelosi said in a statement.
Other Democratic leaders were also honored as part of the legislation, including Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), who is retiring next month. As part of the government funding bill, the legislation would rename the “Access to Local Foods: Farm to School Program” to become the “Access to Local Foods: Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program.”
The bill would also rename the Lake Champlain Basin Program to become the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program, and it would allocate $30 million to go toward the Patrick Leahy Bullet-Proof Vest Partnership Grant Program. Read more…