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Federal lobbyist briefs Alameda County supervisors on FY24 funding and House leadership uncertainty
Summary
John, the county's federal lobbyist, told the Personnel Administration Legislative Committee on March 25 that Congress passed a FY24 appropriations minibus signed by the president, detailed HHS funding increases, and flagged a motion to vacate against Speaker Mike Johnson and prospects for a Ukraine aid package.
John, Alameda County’s federal lobbyist, told the Board of Supervisors’ Personnel Administration Legislative Committee on March 25 that Congress had passed a FY24 appropriations "minibus" that President Biden signed, averting a partial government shutdown and funding 12 appropriations bills through Sept. 30.
The update, delivered during the committee’s brief meeting, front‑loaded human services funding: John said the package includes a roughly $1 billion increase for learning programs; about $8.75 billion for child care block grants; approximately $12.27 billion for Head Start; an $18 million increase for the 988 suicide prevention lifeline; and flat funding of about $770 million for the Community Services Block Grant. "The 12 bills now are funded through September 30, finishing the long FY '24 funding process," John said.
John also outlined current House politics that could affect congressional business in the near term. He reported that Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to vacate the Speakership of Mike Johnson; as of the update, other House Republicans had not signaled support. "This resolution is currently in the hopper, and it's unclear when Representative Greene will raise the resolution as a privileged motion," John said. Supervisor Lena Tam asked whether Greene had acted unilaterally; John replied, "That's correct."
John warned the committee that the retirement of Rep. Gallagher (Wis.) in mid‑April will reduce the House Republican majority by one seat and could influence the dynamics around any motion to vacate or other leadership maneuvers. He also described prospects for a bipartisan floor package on aid to Ukraine that could include roughly $66.32 billion in defense‑only assistance, while noting the Senate had considered a larger $95 billion measure. The potential package John described might also bundle border security measures, including reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" policy.
Committee members did not press additional questions after the update. Several county staff and agency representatives identified themselves for the record, including Valerie Arkin (Supervisor Miley's office), Hana Hamilton (Interim Policy Director, Alameda County Social Services Agency), Cecily Frost (chief of staff for Supervisor Lena Tam), and Eileen Heng (Alameda County Health Care Services Agency). The chair then adjourned the meeting.
What happens next: John said both chambers return April 9, which sets the near‑term schedule for any floor action related to FY25 budget hearings or leadership motions. "Happy to answer any questions," John concluded.
