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where differences will be resolved, sent back for another vote in the House and Senate, and then sent to the President to be signed into law. The House also passed the FY 19 Defe nse Appropriations bill in June and the bill awaits Senate consideration. At this time, THUD has not yet been scheduled to come to the House or Senate floor. NATCA Impact NATCA has continued to advocate for full funding for the FAA in our relevant Congre ssional appropriations bill. As FY 19 THUD appropriations bills continue to work their way through the legislative process, GA staff will closely monitor the legislation and include updates here. FY 19 HOUSE BUDGET RELEASED On June 21, the House Budget Committee approved a budget blueprint for fiscal year 2019, entitled "Budget for a Brighter American Future." The Committee passed the resolution by a vote of 21 - 13. Supporters of the budget maintained that the budget balances in nine years, addresses unsu stainable mandatory spending, continues economic growth, encourages better government and greater accountability, and empowers state and local governments. Opponents argue that the budget would benefit mostly wealthy Americans & corporations and deplete Me dicare, Medicaid and other programs that help struggling Americans. Proposed Budget Cut s The House FY 19 Budget proposes cuts of more than $302 billion to federal programs and $32 billion from federal retirement benefits over 10 years. Specifically, as in years past, it calls for increasing required Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) contributions by approximately 6 to 7 percent; eliminating the FERS annuity supplement; and, eliminating the FERS defined pension benefit. Next Steps It is unlikely t his blueprint will advance through the House. Nevertheless, NATCA will remain vigilant and continue to advocate in opposition to the proposed cuts to federal employees and our NATCA members that are contained in this proposal. Background A Congressional "budget resolution" sets a spending framework for Congress to enact annual appropriations bills. While budget proposals do not have the force of law, they do set a framework for spending priorities. That is why NATCA analyzes any budget pro posal to determine the potential impact on our members. LEGISLATIVE WATCHLIST President Trump and the Administration continue to issue executive actions that adversely impact federal employees. Likewise, members of Congress have and will continue to intr oduce anti - federal employee bills, including those that would attack the use of official time and negatively impact federal employee pay and benefits. In addition to keeping a close watch on legislation that is introduced, Government Affairs staff is track ing any congressional hearings that relate to our membership. POLITICAL UPDATE Members of the House and Senate in re - election fights are ramping up for the 2018 mid - term elections. Both Republicans and Democrats remain publicly optimistic about the political forecast for their respective parties, especially when it comes to which par ty will

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