Despite a challenging outlook for the FY 2020 budget and appropriations process, the 116^th Congress brings opportunity to introduce CDFIs to newly elected Members of Congress and new leadership on key committees. In both the House and Senate, new leadership and members resulted in changes in the composition of committees of jurisdiction over issues impacting the CDFI industry, in particular CDFI Fund appropriations and the New Markets Tax Credit program.

Last week, the Senate approved $250 million for the CDFI Fund as part of H.R.

June has been a busy month on Capitol Hill as both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees approved their respective FY 2019 funding levels for the CDFI Fund.

On November 16, the House passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) by a 227-205 vote.