Adam S. Olsen- Washington, D.C.
January 16, 2024

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) unveiled legislation on Sunday night to keep the government funded into March, with Leader Schumer saying he plans to take steps to move the legislation through his chamber as soon as tonight – just days before a key shutdown deadline.  The text… Read More

Adam S. Olsen- Washington, D.C.
January 11, 2024

Hard-line conservative House members who were furious about a top-line spending deal struck by congressional leaders left a meeting with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) on Thursday saying they are working on an alternative plan even though Johnson has not committed to pursuing any new spending levels. Backing out of the deal, if the Speaker goes… Read More

Adam S. Olsen- Washington, D.C.
January 10, 2024

As negotiations continue, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) is trying to work through the most significant conservative rebellion he’s faced since assuming the Speakership.  His right flank is furious over a deal on overall spending levels he struck with Democrats to avoid a partial government shutdown that would start next week, that largely resembles the bipartisan… Read More

Adam S. Olsen- Washington, D.C.
January 9, 2024

Both the House and Senate are in session today for the first time in 2024. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) announced a deal Sunday on how much the U.S. government will spend in the new year, a significant step toward avoiding a January 19th shutdown.  The deal… Read More

Adam S. Olsen- Washington, D.C.
December 19, 2023

As negotiations continue on new border security restrictions alongside billions more for Ukraine aid this month, Senate Republicans say there’s no chance of a deal before Christmas on funding the war in Ukraine.  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York)  had tentatively scheduled a vote on the package this week, but Senator James Lankford (R-Oklahoma),… Read More

Adam S. Olsen- Washington, D.C.
December 18, 2023

While the House has gone into recess until the week of January 8th, the Senate remains in session working on the significant issues that remain in negotiations on US-Mexico border restrictions demanded by Republicans in exchange for clearing assistance to Ukraine and other US allies.  Although Senate negotiators worked through the weekend, the Senate looks… Read More

Adam S. Olsen- Washington, D.C.
December 13, 2023

As the impasse continues on additional funding for Ukraine, Senate Republicans are warning the only way President Joe Biden will get another $61 billion for Ukraine is if he overrides Senate Democrats and agrees to border security reforms that substantially reduce the influx of migrants into the country.  Senate Republicans now say it’s highly unlikely… Read More

Adam S. Olsen- Washington, D.C.
December 11, 2023

As the House and Senate work to complete various year end items, funding for Israel and Ukraine remains elusive.  President Joe Biden will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Tuesday, the administration announced Sunday, as Congress looks increasingly unlikely to pass additional funding for Ukraine and as U.S. officials warn that… Read More

Adam S. Olsen- Washington, D.C.
December 7, 2023

The Senate failed Wednesday to begin debate on President Joe Biden’s national security package, with Republicans unifying to filibuster it due to a lack of immigration limits that they have demanded be a condition for winning their support.  The vote was 49-51, with Republicans voting against moving forward with the bill, along with Senator Bernie… Read More