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.
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries alerted members of the schedule change late Wednesday afternoon in a “Dear Colleague” letter, noting that they still expect to arrive for the Pennsylvania conference and resume their plans later in the evening.
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“Thank you so much for your continued enthusiasm about our long-awaited House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference. House Floor and Rules Committee activity have now resumed,” wrote Jeffries, of New York. “The Speaker has indicated that we are proceeding today with the omnibus package and its urgent funding for so many of our priorities, including assistance for the Ukrainian people.”
Jeffries then detailed planned conference activities, citing his House Democratic leadership colleague, Rep. Pete Aguilar of California.
“As you know, Vice-Chair Aguilar and I have arranged for an engaging dinner program this evening, including three cabinet-level members of the Biden administration as well as an Arts and Activism keynote conversation,” Jeffries wrote. “It is our current plan and expectation to travel to Philadelphia immediately following the conclusion of the final votes of the day.”
Members were initially scheduled to leave the Capitol at 1 p.m. Top climate adviser Gina McCarthy and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh were scheduled to lead the keynote conversation on Wednesday at 8:15 pm.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is slated to now speak with members at the Capitol in lieu of Philadelphia due to the schedule shake-up.
Later in the week, members are expected to hear from other top administration officials including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Raimondo, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, former Attorney General Eric Holder, ex-Ambassador to the Russian Federation Michael McFaul, and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.
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President Joe Biden is expected to speak on Friday morning at the conference, where lawmakers will strategize on the policy and political plans as they move closer to the midterm elections.
