Appropriations Update
The Fiscal 2009 Omnibus Appropriations (H.R. 1105) bill stalled once again in the Senate on Thursday night. The chamber’s plan to return on Friday to complete work on the $410 billion dollar spending bill was stopped short by the inability of Democrats to secure enough votes to invoke cloture and limit debate on the measure, thus making it ineligible for a final vote.
LATE-BREAKING NEWS!
According to CQ, Majority Leader Harry Reid filed for cloture late Friday morning, signaling that he feels confident that there are now sufficient votes to end debate and pass the bill. Reid reported that negotiations had led to an agreement tp permit votes on 12 GOP amendments to the bill before an anticipated stopgap continuing resolution expires next Wednesday, March 11.
The current plan now is to have the Senate vote on the amendments Monday night and then vote to clear the bill Tuesday.
BIAA will continue to monitor these important developments. If any action is needed we will notify advocates at that time.
