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Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Senate Takes Up Labor/HHS
The Senate is now considering the FY08 Labor/HHS appropriations bill, which includes most of the funding for federal social policy. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has a good summary of what's in the bill and puts it in context. It's got about $8.3 billion over the President's request, and President Bush has threatened to veto it.
The Senate is expected to pass the bill by the end of this week, but it won't end there. The House has already passed its version, but fell just short of a veto-proof majority. The House version is about $1 billion larger than the Senate version now being considered. The Senate and the House will have to reconcile the two bills, and then it goes to the President.
Ultimately, this bill will be a crucial test of the President's threats to veto appropriations bills, and Congress's ability to override them. Only strong support for the bill will ensure passage. Now, and when the override vote comes, your representative will need to hear from as many constituents as possible.
Posted by Matt Lewis
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