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Friday, November 18, 2005

Senate Passes Continuing Resolution

Just a short while ago, the Senate approved by voice vote this morning an extension through December 17 of the current continuing resolution (CR) funding the federal government. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) did not object to the voice vote, but went on record as voting no on the CR to highlight the plight of many still recoverying from the hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. It is still unclear what this accomplished for the people of Gulf Coast.

This particular CR is especially egregious because it drastically reduces funding for many federal programs, particularly the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) attempted to include an amendment to the CR that would continue funding the CSBG at a higher level instead of it receiving a 50 percent cut. Despite support for full funding from 58 Senators on a letter Harkin circulated, only 46 voted for the amendment today.