House passes GAO, DC court bills in quick votes

The House quickly approved two bills Thursday morning before adjourning in preparation for a debate later in the day on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Members approved S. 3315, the GAO Mandates Revision Act, by voice-vote. The bill reduces some of the annual reporting requirements that the Government Accountability Office faces.

Also by voice-vote, members approved S. 1379, the D.C. Courts and Public Defender Service Act. This bill gives the D.C. court system more flexibility, for example, by allowing it to hold biennial instead of annual conferences. It also allows the D.C. courts to be reimbursed for some expenses.

When the House returns later in the morning, it will debate a motion to go to conference with the Senate on the NDAA, as well as a Democratic motion to instruct conferees.