Budget Alert: March 23, 2007

Senate Appropriations Approves '07 Supplemental; Close House Vote Expected Friday on Supplemental; Senate To Complete Action Friday on 2008 Budget Plan

The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved a $121.6 billion 2007 Supplemental Appropriations Bill. A table comparing the Senate Committee-approved bill, the bill currently under consideration in the House, and the Administration request is at the end of this Budget Alert.

Summary of the Bill, the Iraq Language, and Chairman Byrd's Iraq Statement

Leahy Statement on Dairy Amendment to Supplemental

BUDGET PROCESS STEP-BY-STEP ™

Friday, March 23:

House Floor vote on FY 2007 Supplemental.

Context : Expect a very close vote, due to Iraq withdrawal language. A veto of the bill is certain due to the Iraq withdrawal language, although the bill may never reach the President's desk if Senate Republicans filibuster.

Senate to complete Floor action on FY 2008 Budget Resolution.

Context : Because Senate Floor debate is limited (50 hours), the Budget Resolution cannot be filibustered. Amendments must be germane, and debate on amendments is generally limited to 2 hours. Because the 50 hour limit applies to debate, but not to the offering of amendments, the Senate typically has a "vote-a-rama" at the end of the 50 hours with a long series of votes, each preceded by a 2-minute explanation of the amendment by the amendment sponsor and the Budget Chairman. The series of votes will consume most of Friday.

Week of March 26:

Senate Floor action on FY 2007 Supplemental.

House Floor action on FY 2008 Budget Resolution.

FY 2007 Supplemental Chart