The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton What's happening with the 2026 appropriations bills?
Nov 24, 2025
Lauren Duggan, Deputy News Director at Bloomberg Government, shares insights on the impending National Defense Authorization Act vote and the unresolved nine appropriations bills that Congress must tackle. She discusses the upcoming health care premium vote and the implications for the Education Department’s funding. Phil McNamara, former Assistant Secretary at the Department of Transportation, emphasizes essential leadership practices like listening and empathy. He also reflects on the complexities of HR decisions in a post-pandemic workforce, advocating for long-term career relationships.
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NDAA Poised For December Passage
- Congress is targeting early December votes to finalize the NDAA after negotiators draft compromise text.
- The bill will likely pass because lawmakers prioritize completing the annual defense authorization.
AI Preemption Enters Defense Debate
- AI preemption language has resurfaced as a major addition to NDAA negotiations and could preempt state regulation.
- The final text will determine whether executive action or statutory language sets AI policy boundaries.
Nine Appropriations Still Unfinished
- The continuing resolution reopened three full-year bills but nine appropriations remain unresolved.
- Senate packaging of four to five bills, including defense and labor/HHS/education, is the likely near-term path forward.