Behind-the-scenes work continues on a continuing resolution to keep the government functioning past October 1, when fiscal year 2008 funding is set to expire. The resolution is necessary because no new spending bills have been passed by Congress.
The Associated Press reports on some of the likely contents within the massive package:
While top-level congressional leaders haven’t made final decisions, elements of the year-end budget package are likely to include:
_Stopgap government funding. Most federal agencies would see their budgets frozen at current levels for several weeks or even into March. Lawmakers want to avoid a postelection “lame duck” session, but fear the White House will force them to return to session in November in hopes Congress would approve a free trade pact with Colombia.
_Security-related budgets. More than $600 billion to fund the 2009 budgets for the Pentagon, Homeland Security Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
_Disaster aid. Up to $25 billion in emergency funding for victims of Gulf Coast hurricanes, midwestern floods and other natural disasters.
_Automaker loans. More than $7 billion is provided to subsidize $25 billion in loans to help the “Big Three” U.S. automakers retool their plants to build cleaner, more energy efficient cars.
_Heating subsidies. Democrats want to double the budget to $5.1 billion for a popular program providing heating subsidies for the poor.
Democrats were also weighing whether to try to add another extension of unemployment benefits to the year-end budget package. Another option would be to add the unemployment insurance coverage to a subsequent $50 billion-plus measure to stimulate the economy with infrastructure spending, aid to states and additional food stamp benefits.
Within the package, Defense Department / Pentagon funding alone could total some $488 billion.
It’s unclear how the offshore drilling debate will play out. It’s safe to say that with all the bailout talk the energy debate has lost some of its momentum. With that being said, members still have to address whether a continuation of the moratorium on offshore drilling will be included in the package or if it will be lifted and, if so, what restrictions will be placed on it.
