House Democratic retreat schedule adjusted amid spending bill chaos

Divisions over a provision to provide additional pandemic relief in a massive government funding bill upended the schedule for the first day of the House Democrats’ annual retreat in Philadelphia on Wednesday, with lawmakers expected to be stuck in Washington until the bill passes.

The chamber is expected to vote on an updated version of the $15.6 billion that does not include the language on COVID-19 funding. The legislation’s language to provide aid to Ukraine as it faces continued attacks from Russia ramped up the pressure on Congress to act swiftly on a bill.