The Focus of Today's Session will be the
Conference Report for the Iraq/Afghanistan
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill

Appropriations vs. Authorization: While the power over appropriations is granted to Congress by the U.S. Constitution, the authorization-appropriation process is derived from House and Senate rules. The process consists of two sequential steps: (1) enactment of an authorization measure that may create or continue an agency or program as well as authorize the subsequent enactment of appropriations; and (2) enactment of appropriations to provide funds for the authorized agency or program.

             6:30 P.M.          

The Senate has just completed its vote on the Conference Report to accompany H.R.2691, the Interior Appropriations bill.  The bill was passed with a vote of 87-2.  This bill will appropriate funds for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Forest Service, the Smithsonian Institution and numerous other government agencies.  Click here to see a printer friendly version of the conference report.  There will be no further roll call votes this evening. 

             5:15 P.M.          

With debate concluding on the Iraq/Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations bill Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska called for a voice vote on final passage of the bill.  The bill was passed and the Senate is now considering the Interior Appropriations bill.  The chairman and ranking member of the subcommittee are speaking about some of the provisions contained in the bill.

             4:15 P.M.          

During the past hour Senator Barbara Boxer of California spoke about the Californians who have lost their lives while serving in Iraq.  Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia, the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee, also spoke about the reconstruction effort and why opposes this bill.  Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island is now speaking about his efforts to amend the bill earlier in the appropriations process.

                     3:15 P.M.          

Throughout the afternoon Senators have come to the floor to speak about the Iraq/Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations bill.  Most recently Senator Ernest Hollings of South Carolina voiced his concerns about the situation in Iraq.

            11:45 A.M.         

Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois has dominated the debate on the Iraq/Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations bill so far this morning.  He began by talking about the tragic downing of the U.S. Chinook helicopter yesterday in Iraq, which left 16 American soldiers dead and 20 wounded.  The pilot of this helicopter was a member of the Illinois Air Guard.  In addition, he voiced his disappointment that certain language was not included in the final version of this supplemental bill, such as a provision regarding protecting the pay of activated federal employees and a provision which would have criminalized war profiteering.

            11:00 A.M.         

The Senate convenes this morning to consider the Conference Report for the Iraq/Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations bill.  At 5:00 p.m. there is expected to be a voice vote on final passage of the bill.  After this vote, the Senate will move to consideration of the Interior Appropriations Bill with a vote expected around 6:00.  The Majority Leader has also announced that he would like the Senate to begin debate today on S.1753, the Fair Credit Reporting Act.