Full Steam Ahead for FY25 Appropriations
Congress continues to move full steam ahead on FY25 appropriations, eager to make as much progress on as many of the bills as possible before the August recess. The House Appropriations Committee has already marked-up (made its initial funding recommendations) for the Defense, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Legislative Branch, Military Construction & Veterans Affairs, and the State Department and Foreign Operations bills. The Senate Appropriations Committee has not yet moved any bills, but is scheduled to do so beginning the week of July 8.
By way of refresher, every year Youth Collaboratory advocates with our congressional champions and decision-makers to support the highest possible funding allocations for federal programs supporting vulnerable young people. Specifically, in FY25, Youth Collaboratory has requested $305 million for the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) programs, $153 million for the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP), and $130 million for the Youth Mentoring Grant. These programs are contained within the following bills that have not yet been marked-up in either chamber of Congress: Labor-Health and Human Services-Education (LHHS), Transportation & Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) appropriations.
It’s important to note that all three of these bills – LHHS, THUD, and CJS – are expected to be amongst the most controversial spending bills this Congress and may take several months to finalize. With Congress scheduled to recess for much of August, September, and October in the lead up to the November elections, Congressional appropriators have a tight timeline and huge lift if they are going to advance their spending bills in the next month. Once August arrives, we expect minimal movement on appropriations until a flurry of activity post-election in November and December as Congress races to finish appropriations before the end of the calendar year and the conclusion of the 118th Congress.
Keep an eye on your email and this blog series for updates!
