CQ Budget
News & Politics
About
CQ Roll Call’s budget tracker David Lerman explains how lawmakers in Congress spend the nation’s money.
Episodes
- Ballroom blitz
Democrats are focusing on $1 billion in security funds within the GOP's reconciliation bill, intended for a White House ballroom. The discussion covers procedural hurdles for this funding and its potential impact on the bill's passage, whi…
- GOP friction over shutdown finale
The passage of a bill to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown highlighted divisions between House and Senate Republicans. The discussion covers the resolution of the shutdown, the reasons for the friction, and potential consequ…
- Critical test for immigration funding
House Republicans are attempting to pass a budget resolution to fund immigration agencies. CQ Roll Call reporters Paul M. Krawzak, Aidan Quigley, and David Lerman analyze the difficulties for House leadership and the future of the budget r…
- Reconciliation picks up, again
The episode covers Senate Republicans' plan for two reconciliation bills, the first of which focuses on immigration enforcement funding. Reporters Aidan Quigley and Aris Folley detail the bill's prospects and the upcoming fiscal 2027 spend…
- New budget, same problems
CQ Budget examines President Trump's fiscal 2027 spending request, predicting partisan disputes over budget priorities and the feasibility of additional reconciliation bills. The discussion also covers the ongoing homeland security funding…
- GOP leadership schism
House and Senate Republicans disagreed on homeland security funding, highlighting a gap between top Republican leaders. The episode covers funding strategies, potential agreements, and if the recess will be shortened.
- Fiscal 2027 budget outlook
CQ Roll Call reporters Aidan Quigley, Aris Folley, and David Lerman assess the fiscal and political pressures shaping the fiscal 2027 budget cycle, as President Donald Trump prepares his request to Congress.
- Uncertain path for Iran war funding
CQ Budget explores the uncertain path for Iran war funding, with the Trump administration sending mixed signals. Hosts John M. Donnelly and David Lerman examine the potential timing, legislative options, and associated measures for a war f…
- New threat to funding
President Donald Trump has threatened to block legislation until an expanded voter ID bill is passed. This stance affects Homeland Security funding and potential military spending for the Iran war, as well as the status of the fiscal 2027…
- War impact on funding standoff
The war against Iran has provided Republicans with a new strategy in the dispute over Homeland Security funding. Aris Folley and David Lerman discuss how the conflict may affect negotiations on immigration enforcement.
- Tug-of-war over tariffs
A Supreme Court ruling has altered federal revenue projections and the Trump administration's tariff authority. Reporters Michael Macagnone, Aris Folley, and David Lerman analyze the verdict's fiscal impact and implications for presidentia…
- Immigration enforcement standoff
Homeland Security funding negotiations are at a standstill entering the first week of a partial shutdown, with no bipartisan immigration deal in sight. Experts analyze the key obstacles and the current state of Senate negotiations.
- Homeland Security spending spat
CQ Budget discusses the looming Homeland Security funding deadline, with lawmakers debating Democrats' demands on immigration enforcement and limited compromise possibilities.
- Struggle for votes to end shutdown
House leaders are struggling to find enough votes to end the current partial government shutdown. Opposition from Democrats and divisions within the GOP are jeopardizing a $1.2 trillion spending package and a Homeland Security bill.
- Immigration funding impasse
The CQ Budget episode analyzes the halted progress on fiscal 2026 immigration funding, particularly following a recent shooting. Experts assess potential solutions to prevent a government shutdown.
- Close to the finish line
The House has passed all 12 spending bills for the fiscal year, with the Senate expected to meet the January 30th deadline to prevent a shutdown. This episode discusses the House dealmaking and the current state of the appropriations proce…
- Homeland Security punt and reconciliation talk
Aris Folley, Paul M. Krawzak, and David Lerman discuss the legislative challenges regarding Homeland Security appropriations and potential reconciliation legislation. The episodes covers the federal funding deadline and internal discussion…
- Appropriators get busy
CQ Roll Call reporters assess the outlook for passing delayed spending bills by the January 30 funding deadline, discussing a new bipartisan cooperative spirit that could facilitate progress.
- Last chance for the year
CQ Budget discusses the final week of the legislative session, focusing on a House Republican vote concerning health care affordability and expiring insurance subsidies, alongside Senate leaders' efforts on a spending package amidst conser…
- Defense spending uptick
CQ Budget discusses a new defense authorization bill that increases defense spending beyond President Trump's request for the fiscal year. Reporters John M. Donnelly, Aidan Quigley, and David Lerman analyze the bill and its impact on defen…
- Two months to go
CQ Roll Call reporters Aris Folley and Aidan Quigley discuss two recently released Senate spending bills and the differing strategies of the House and Senate with two months left to finalize fiscal 2026 appropriations.
- Appropriations back on track?
Aidan Quigley, Aris Folley, and David Lerman of CQ Roll Call analyze the political and logistical hurdles to resuming appropriations bills after a government shutdown, with a January 30 funding deadline approaching.
- Politics of a shutdown
The politics of a government shutdown are discussed, including Senate Democrats breaking ranks, the fallout for the Democratic Party, and the remaining steps to reopen the government. Indexed from public RSS feeds.
- Shutdown pressures on the rise
CQ Budget discusses the growing pressure on the Senate to resolve the government shutdown, which is nearing a historical length. President Trump has indicated he will not negotiate health insurance issues until the government reopens.
- Shutdown pain growing as November nears
As November deadlines loom, the largest federal employees union has urged Congress to approve a clean continuing resolution. Discussions cover the potential for separate legislation to fund federal workers and food aid, and the likelihood…
- 'Power of the purse' at stake
CQ Budget explores the debate surrounding President Trump's decision to repurpose Pentagon research funds to pay troops during a government shutdown. Analysts discuss the legality and implications for Congress's constitutional "power of th…
- Shutdown stalemate
CQ Roll Call reporters Aidan Quigley, Aris Folley, and David Lerman discuss the government shutdown stalemate, assessing its potential length, party advantages, and remaining pressure points for a resolution.
- Trapped in a shutdown
The CQ Budget episode "Trapped in a Shutdown" examines the ongoing partial government shutdown, the entrenched positions of political parties, and the factors influencing the timeline for a resolution.
- Health subsidies standoff
A partisan disagreement regarding the extension of health insurance subsidies, which are set to expire, poses a risk of a partial government shutdown. The episode details the core issues, the difficulty in finding a resolution, and possibl…
- Search for an end game
CQ Roll Call reporters Aidan Quigley and David Lerman discuss the urgent efforts by Congress and the Trump administration to agree on a government funding strategy before a potential shutdown. They also cover appropriations markups and a l…
- 'Pocket rescission' showdown
Democrats are concerned that Republicans might cause a partial government shutdown if they proceed with President Trump's proposal to cancel $4.9 billion in foreign aid. This action could impede bipartisan negotiations for a necessary fund…
- Rough-and-tumble September
Congress faces a difficult fall with heightened partisan tensions, a potential government shutdown, and disputes over Senate confirmations and the Jeffrey Epstein case. CQ Roll Call reporters Aidan Quigley and David Lerman outline these ch…
- Politics of appropriations
Aidan Quigley and David Lerman of CQ Roll Call discuss the current state of the appropriations process, highlighting threats from a polarized political climate and partisan actions.
- Big test on rescissions
The Senate is set to debate a bill proposing the clawback of $9.4 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funds. Analysts assess the political implications of this rescissions package, its Senate prospects, and its potential effects…
- Political fallout of 'big, beautiful bill'
President Trump's budget reconciliation law is influencing the midterm elections, with CQ Roll Call reporters assessing the political fallout for both parties.
- 'Beautiful' bill picked apart
CQ Roll Call reporters David Lerman and Aidan Quigley discuss the Senate parliamentarian's recent decisions impacting the GOP's reconciliation bill, affecting areas like food stamps and immigration policy.
- Medicaid and 'SALT' divide GOP
The Senate GOP's reconciliation bill release sparked internal party disputes concerning Medicaid cuts and the SALT deduction. CQ Roll Call reporters detail the sticking points within the Senate Finance Committee's draft.
- 'Big, beautiful' bill on the line
Senate Republicans are encountering disputes over key policies like Medicaid, food stamps, and tax matters while assembling their reconciliation package. Reporters detail the significant disagreements that may impede the bill and preview t…
- Reconciliation headaches in Senate
The episode discusses divisions among Republican senators regarding the House reconciliation bill, with specific mention of Medicaid and tax cuts. It also covers House appropriators starting fiscal 2026 spending bills and Trump administrat…
- 'Big, beautiful' bill heads to Senate
The House-passed reconciliation bill, featuring much of President Trump's agenda, faces significant hurdles in the Senate. CQ Roll Call reporters detail potential modifications and the conflicting needs of Senate Republicans that complicat…
- Medicaid cuts in play
Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee have proposed changes to Medicaid as part of a budget reconciliation bill. Reporters from CQ Roll Call discuss the specific cuts, omissions, and the political viability of the proposal.
- Trump's budget ax
CQ Roll Call's Aidan Quigley and David Lerman discuss President Donald Trump's fiscal 2026 budget proposal, noting its significant cuts to domestic programs and foreign aid and the negative reception from both Senate GOP appropriators and…
- Budget promises put to the test
Republicans adopted a budget resolution after leaders promised spending cuts, but now face internal conflicts in drafting a reconciliation bill for President Trump's agenda. CQ Roll Call reporters analyze the deal between leadership and co…
- Budget battle in the House
CQ Budget discusses the House budget battle where Speaker Mike Johnson faces GOP dissent over a Senate-approved budget blueprint. The episode assesses the prospects for final adoption and key disputes over Medicaid cuts and funding for tax…
- Tough climate for appropriations
Aidan Quigley, Caitlin Reilly, and David Lerman discuss the difficult political climate for fiscal 2026 spending bills, citing headwinds from the Trump administration and a partisan reconciliation package that could interfere with the appr…
- Spending bill's political fallout
The continuing resolution aimed at avoiding a government shutdown has exposed deep divisions within the Democratic party. CQ Roll Call journalists discuss the rift, its potential for healing, and the impact on the party's governing capacit…
- Leadership test on spending
House GOP leaders are testing their majority on a stopgap funding measure. Senate Democrats face a decision on voting against a bill that could trigger a shutdown. The episode assesses the outlook for a fiscal 2025 continuing resolution an…
- Stopgap spending decision time
CQ Budget discusses the political pressures surrounding a stopgap funding extension needed to prevent a government shutdown, examining federal employee layoffs, funding freezes, and the ongoing budget reconciliation negotiations.
- Pivotal test for House budget
A key House vote this week will assess Republican unity regarding a budget blueprint. The outcome is critical for President Trump's agenda, influencing tax cuts, border security, defense spending, and budget cuts.
- Budget reconciliation pressures mount
CQ Budget covers the competing budget reconciliation strategies between the Senate and House. President Trump