July 4th Recess - Federal Approps Update

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The Art of Politics helps clients access and participate in the Federal Appropriations process, so we follow the progress of appropriation bills very closely. And on the House side, bills are moving. The House passed its first bill — Commerce-Science-Justice — on June 18 and another three — Legislative Branch, Homeland Security and Interior-Environment — before leaving town for this week's July 4th recess. Remember, theoretically, the new federal fiscal year begins in three months, on October 1.

Let me tell you: the passage of ANY appropriation bills (other than Military Construction-VA or Defense) prior to a July 4 recess is a MARKED change from years past, ESPECIALLY last year, when appropriations was utterly broken down by the 2008 presidential and congressional campaigns. In fact, final appropriations for FY2009 weren't settled until February and March of this year.

If you're considering whether or not to apply for an FY11 appropriation, you really need to decide soon, because the active and interactive (i.e. meetings with elected officials) part of the appropriations process starts just after labor day. That leaves you July and August to get your ducks in a row. E-mail me if you have any questions!