Senate Appropriators Set Subcommittee Allocations, Still $2 Billion Short for Domestic Programs

This afternoon, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved Chairman Thad Cochran’s FY07 “302(b) allocations.” These allocations set spending totals for individual appropriations bills. Accordingly, the FY07 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill will receive $5 billion above President Bush’s request. Of course, Senator Arlen Specter, Chairman of the Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee and other moderate Republican Senators had argued for $7 billion above the President’s request, which would get back to FY05-appropriated levels when adjusted for inflation. The companion bill in the House, which cleared full committee on June 13, 2006, provides $4.1 billion above the President's request.

Even though both the Senate and House will eventually move bills with more money for domestic programs than requested by the President ($5 billion and $4.1 billion, respectively) many of these programs – particularly education programs – will still face decreased funding or, in some case, elimination.

In terms of timing, Chairman Specter has indicated his subcommittee may mark-up its bill on July 18, 2006, with a full committee mark-up to follow on July 20, 2006. However, as I have previously reported, it is becoming increasingly likely that we won’t see floor or conference committee action until after the fall elections.

For more information on appropriations, please e-mail me.