Incoming Interior Secretary Sally Jewell will be sworn in Friday afternoon during a private ceremony at the Supreme Court. Retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will administer the oath of office. Jewell technically takes over as Interior Secretary immediately after this afternoon’s ceremony, but Monday will mark her first full day on the job. Jewell will meet Monday with career employees at the department and she’ll hold a series of “in-depth meetings” on energy development, conservation, Indian Affairs, and youth engagement, according to an Interior official.
News and updates
Summary of President’s FY14 Budget Request
Yesterday, President Obama released his FY14 budget request — nearly two months later than required by law. Much of the delay was blamed on the sequester and the prolonged FY13 appropriations process that resulted in a year-long continuing resolution (CR). In a typical year, the President’s Budget Request (PBR) kicks off the annual appropriations season, but with the delays, Congress has moved forward with their own budget proposals. This leaves us with three very different budget proposals with which to base the annual appropriations process. In other words, the process is once again sure to be a mess come later this fall. Our April Federal Update reviews the PBR and highlights those agencies and programs that we care about the most. You can also access the PBR and all the supporting documents at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget.
Jewell Confirmed as Interior Secretary
The Senate has just voted to confirm Sally Jewell as the next Secretary for the US Department of the Interior. We congratulate Secretary Jewell and look forward to working with her in her new capacity.
FY14 Budget Release Today
President Obama will release his FY14 budget request today. Early reports indicate that the budget will focus on “education and infrastructure” issues, propose new taxes on the wealthy, and reduce the costs of Social Security and Medicare. We will report more details after the release.
Congress Back in Session
Congress reconvenes this week after a two-week recess. Congress will be looking at the President’s Budget Request, and also wrestling with the debt ceiling, which is expected to expire yet again, this time in mid May. Also on the agenda this week (and through the month of April): immigration reform, gun control/safety, and FY14 appropriations.
Tuesday
- The Senate Budget Committee holds a confirmation hearing for Office of Management and Budget Director nominee Sylvia Mathews Burwell.
- The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a full committee hearing on the nomination of Dr. Ernest Moniz to be the Secretary of Energy.
Wednesday
- President Barack Obama releases his FY14 budget request (link will be active upon release of budget).
- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee holds a confirmation hearing for Office of Management and Budget Director nominee Sylvia Mathews Burwell.