THE DAILY WHIP: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

**Members are advised that the Rules Committee is expected to meet today, prior to House consideration of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 719 or H.Con.Res. 79.

Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 719 – Continuing Appropriations for FY2016 (Subject to a Rule).  This continuing resolution would extend current FY 2015 government funding for nearly all agencies through December 11, 2015. It continues appropriations at a rate equal to an annual level of $1.017 trillion, consistent with the combined top-line post-sequester discretionary spending caps for FY 2016 set by the Budget Control Act.  The measure provides funding for Overseas Contingency Operations, exempt from the BCA caps, at a rate of $74.8 billion, roughly equal to a continuation of the FY 2015 level. In addition to keeping government operations funded beyond September 30th, the bill contains a number of policy adjustments. Most notably, it provides a new $700 million to fight wildfires that are deemed as emergency, gives the VA budget flexibility to finish the construction of a facility in Denver, and extends various immigration programs. Unlike other continuing resolutions, this funding measure does not include any provisions that would defund Planned Parenthood. Members are urged toVOTE YES.

H.Con.Res. 79 – Directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make corrections in the enrollment of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 719 (Rep. Roby – Appropriations) (Subject to a Rule).  This concurrent resolution would direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make corrections in the enrollment of the FY 2016 Continuing Appropriations bill (Senate passed “clean” CR described above). This concurrent resolution - only if passed by both chambers - would add language to the underlying CR before it is sent to the President to eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood and its affiliates or clinics for one year while increasing the funding level for community health centers by $235 million. This measure, which is substantively identical to the defunding provision rejected by a bipartisan majority in the Senate, simply continues the GOP’s assault on Planned Parenthood and women’s access to health care.  With just hours before the end of the fiscal year we should be focused on funding the federal government and averting the second government shutdown in two years instead of hindering access to women's health care.

Suspension (1 bill)

1. S. 2082 – Department Of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015 (Sen. Isakson – Veterans’ Affairs)

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK
The GOP Leadership has announced the following schedule for Thursday, October 1: The House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. The House is expected to consider the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1735 – National Defense Authorization Act for FY2016 (Subject to a Rule).  The House is also expected to consider H.R. 3457 – Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act (Subject to a Rule).