The Focus of Today's Session will be the
VA-HUD Appropriations bill

            6:30 P.M.         

By a vote of 45-43 the motion to invoke cloture on the FAA Reauthorization failed.  The Majority leader has announced that there will be no more roll call votes this evening and Senators can expect two cloture votes tomorrow morning at 10:30 A.M.  Senator Kyl is speaking on the nature of Senate business this evening, which will be a traditional debate on economic policy and jobs.  More From the Floor will suspend for the remainder of the evening, but will return promptly tomorrow at 9:30 A.M. when the Senate convenes. 

            5:15 P.M.         

Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey has been voicing his opposition to a provision in the FAA Reauthorization that would privatize the air traffic control system.  Senator Rockefeller is also speaking on the subject.  A vote to finish debate on FAA reauthorization is planned for 5:30.

            4:15 P.M.         

Senator Dayton is speaking on the floor about his amendment, S.Amdt.2193, that would provide $1.1 million for the Sheila Wellstone community center.  At 4:30 the Senate will enter into a period of debate for 1 hour over the FAA Reauthorization. 

            3:30 P.M.         

Senator Feinstein and Senator Bond have been debating the emissions requirements for small engines under 75 horsepower. 

            1:55 P.M.         

Senator Kennedy is speaking on the floor about the proposal to add a prescription drug bill to Medicare.  Negotiators for the House and Senate announced this weekend that they have reached a potential deal on expanding Medicare.  Senator Jeffords also spoke this hour on the floor about his concerns over the H.R. 6, the Energy Omnibus Bill.

            12:15 P.M.         

Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Harry Reid of Nevada started this week off with a discussion of the Senate's schedule. Senator McConnell stated that he believes the Senate will be able to wrap up its business this week, although that may mean being in session this Saturday and Sunday. 

            12:00 P.M.         

The Senate will convene today at 12:00 to resume consideration of H.R.2861, the Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies appropriations bill. At 4:30, the Senate will continue discussion of the FAA Reauthorization Conference Report for one hour of debate prior to a cloture vote, which will occur at approximately 5:30.

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.