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Senators could not reach a compromise that would have allowed a vote on two other resolutions related to support for or opposition to the President's 21,500 troop surge to bolster the US effort in Iraq.

On Monday, a vote to invoke cloture on S 470, the bill sponsored by Senator Levin (D-MI) failed to draw 60 votes thereby allowing for unlimited debate and ultimately failure of the bill through a minority filibuster. The measure garnered only fifty votes for a final count of 49 to 48 after the Majority Leader changed his vote in a procedural effort that allows him to bring the bill back to the floor at a later date.

In what passes for irony in the Senate Senator John Warner (R-VA) and other Republicans who supported an identical resolution sponsored by Sen. Warner all voted against cloture on S 470. Two Republican Senators, Senator Susan Collins and Senator Norman Coleman supported the cloture motion.

Senate floor discussion revealed that the Republican minority with Independent Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) did not support the cloture vote because they were not allowed a vote on two related resolutions of their own. One of those items would have pledged complete support for the President's surge strategy.

One vote the Republicans sought was on the McCain / Lieberman resolution, also non-binding, that sets 11 benchmarks the Iraq government must meet for sustained US support (SRES 70). The McCain / Lieberman bill does not specifically require withdrawal if Iraq does not progress as the resolution requires but does make reference to Bush Administration officials comments to Iraqi leadership that the US committment is not open ended and the Government of Iraqi must "does not follow through on its promises, it will lose the support of its own people and the people of the United States;"

Senator Warner, however, brought to the floor a letter to the Republican and Democratic Leaders. The Letter, signed by him and six other Republican Senators, says that the matter of Iraq is critical and must be debated. The letter said further that they are ready to debate SCR 7. No mention was made of the other Republican resolutions.

The House is scheduled to pass a resolution or bill on the surge during the week of February 12th and will then send the matter to the Senate for a vote. The Vote

Links to all bills and resolutions relating to the troop surge can be read...here.

The Congressional Budget Office calculations on the cost of the surge and the increase in troops necessary can be read...here.

Photo: Jane M. Sawyer

SENATE TAKES ON

HOUSE CATCH-UP

BUDGET FOR 2007

The senate began consideration of but took no action yet on H. J. RES 20, the House-passed bill that would set the spending levels for the government in the absence of a completed budget process from the 109th Congress. The Senate debate will continue during the week of February 12th. (Report...H.J. Res 20)

PRESIDENT'S BUDGET ARRIVES

$100 Billion for Iraq 2007, $145 billion for Iraq 2008, $461 billion for Defense

Promises to Balance Budget by 2012 Through Continued Tax Cuts and Cuts in Domestic Spending to Total $95 billion in 5 years-Mostly from Medicare.

The President began the fiscal year 2008 budget process with his $2.9 trillion budget proposal. (Report here with links to agency-specific spending)

PRESIDENT DELEGATES

SUDAN AUTHORITIES TO SECRETARY OF STATE

Authority Allows Support of African Military Action in Sudan

President Bush has delegated authority granted him by Congress last year to Secretary of State Rice. The Secretary is given authorities under the 2006 Darfur Peace and Accountability Act that allows her to use U.S. resources to "dissuade and deter air attacks directed against civilians and humanitarian workers" and Secretary Rice

other for other purposes.

The Secretary is also authorized to provide assistance with aerial surveillance, transport, logistics and other means to support the African Union's mission to end the genocide and murder in Darfur, Sudan, Africa.

(Full Report....EXECSUDAN)

Cote d'Ivoire

Assets of War Instigators Blocked but Some Military Items Allowed

EXEC COTE

HOUSE

BIO-FUEL PROBLEMS TO BE STUDIED

Country Can Move Forward with Ethanol and Bio-fuels Once Distribution and Storage Problems are Solved

"This bill is based on Congress’ finding that the US must diversify its fuel supply to include alternative bio-based fuels if the country wants to lessen dependence on foreign sources of petroleum and reduce demand on petroleum in general."

" Congress recognizes that despite the success of ethanol as a fuel additive, newer bio-based fuels may not be as compatible to fuel transportation and delivery infrastructures. The fuels themselves as well as additives tend to corrode critical elements of delivery and storage systems requiring retrofitting for corrosion, fuel contamination and other such impacts."

(Full Report....HR 547)

Photo: Daniel T Yara

L. A SUBWAY CONSTRUCTION TO CONTINUE

Threat of Methane Gas Explosion Diminished-Funds Freed

"Following a March 1985 methane explosion in a store in the Wilshire-Fairfax District of Los Angeles gas flames burned all night. A test was made and it was determined that a pressurized methane gas pocket 42 feet below the building had leaked into the building, accumulated and was somehow ignited." (Full Report ...HR 238)