House recesses for party caucuses after brief business; lawmakers report budget progress

The Iowa House recessed for party caucuses after carrying out routine opening business and a short exchange about budget progress and shutdown planning.

Representative Kaufman moved that "the House recess until the conclusion of both party caucuses." The motion was adopted by voice vote after the presiding officer called for ayes and nays; members answered "aye" and the chair declared the ayes had it. The House then recessed.

Earlier in the morning the chamber approved the journal and members announced new legislation, including Senate File 2468 (concerning partnerships and fees) and Senate File 2490 (relating to oil and gas production, DNR authority and surface damage negotiation). Those introductions were for referral to committee; no final action on those bills occurred during this session.

The motion to recess followed a brief exchange in which Representative Meyer asked Representative Kaufman whether a shutdown plan existed. Kaufman replied, "We're making a lot of progress. I would expect to have a full week of work... we're making a lot of progress on budgets, a lot of progress on property taxes, and a lot of progress on the final policy bills." Kaufman did not give a specific date for concluding work.

Members also announced internal scheduling: Democrats will caucus at 2:30 p.m. in Room 19; Republicans will caucus at 2 p.m. The House is expected to reconvene after caucus activity to continue its work.