BUDGET ALERT: April 26, 2007

SENATE PASSES WAR SUPPLEMENTAL

The Senate today passed the conference report on H.R. 1591, the FY 2007 War Supplemental. The near party-line vote was 51-46, with Senators Hagel (NE) and Smith (OR) voting for the bill, and Senator Lieberman voting against the bill.

Link to Senate Vote

The House of Representatives passed the conference report last night. The vote was 218-208, with 2 Republicans voting for the bill (Jones of NC and Gilchrest of MD) and 13 Democrats opposing it.

Link to House Vote

A presidential veto of the bill is expected due to a requirement that redeployment of U.S. troops begin October 1, 2007 with a non-binding goal of completing the redeployment by April 1, 2008. After that date, according to a committee summary, "a limited number of U.S. forces could remain in Iraq for force protection, training and equipping Iraqi troops, and targeted counterterrorism options."

Highlights of the $124.2 billion Conference Agreement:

• $95.5 billion in emergency war spending for the Defense Department ($4 billion more than the President's request);
• More than $5 billion in defense and veterans funding for health care;
• $5.736 billion for State Dept. and International Assistance;
• $500 million for International Food Aid;
• $2.25 billion in new funding for Homeland Security;
• $6.9 billion for recovery from hurricanes Katrina and Rita (more than double the President's request);
• $3.5 billion in emergency farm relief;
• $650 million for the children's health insurance program to address shortfalls in 14 states; and
• a deficit neutral $4.8 billion small business tax relief package to accompany a minimum wage increase to $7.25.

WBR Table Comparing President's Request, House-passed, Senate-passed, and Conference Agreement

Appropriations Committee Summary of the Conference Report