TWICOCT5

(TheWeekInCongress.com October 5, 2007) The Senate completed its two week process of amending the Defense Authorization bill that sets spending limits, authorizes programs and establishes defense-related US policy and then passed the House bill that appropriates Defense funds.

A final amendment to the Authorization bill was offered by Senator Kennedy (D-MA) to level the playing field between the cost of government agencies performing certain projects and that of private sector contractors. The amendment recognized that while government and contractor costs for projects include health care and benefits, other contractors bidding for the outsourced jobs can offer lower bids by cutting those amenities from their employees, but that the lower price does not guarantee quality work. Senator Kennedy described the situation as "a race to the bottom" that works against responsible contractors and veterans working for the Defense Department. The bill passed 92 to 3.

The Senate the passed the Defense Appropriations bill that provides $459 billion for authorized defense programs. Among the first amendment was one offered by Senator Graham (R-SC) to provide $3 billion to complete the fence on the southern border, increase border agents and other provisions "to achieve and maintain operational control over the entire international land and maritime border of the United States including the ability to monitor" the border. The amendment would spend $60 million for a system to verify legal alien status and requires the detention and removal of aliens overstaying their visas. The amendment passed 95 to 1. The Senate passed the same Graham amendment to the Homeland Security Appropriations bill earlier this year. A related amendment funds the deployment of National Guard troops to the southern border through September 30, 2008.

Most other amendments provided funds or authorization for a variety or research and development and defense program. The Biden (D-DE) amendment to provide an additional $23.6 billion for mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles was withdrawn and the Boxer (D-CA) amendment to prohibit recruiting certain felons failed to gain the needed 60 votes 53 to 41.

The bill passed by voice vote.

{HR 3222 with House and Senate amendments and votes}

{HR 1585 with House & Senate Amendments-Votes}

{S 1547}

(Senate Amendments}

{Senate Committee Report-Indexed for Research}

{Senate Committee Statement on earmarks}

SENATE INTELLIGENCE SPENDING BILL REQUIRES INTEL REVIEWED BY THE PRESIDENT PRIOR TO IRAQ INVASION

Reports on CIA Preparedness Before 9-11 Attacks

The Senate passed by voice vote its version of Intelligence Community spending bill that provides mostly classified spending amounts and fine tunes responsibilities of the Director of National Intelligence, and sets other policies for managing intelligence personnel and sensitive information. The bill establishes an Inspector General position for the Intelligence Community with the aim to provide accountability within its clandestine operations.

The bill also reaches back over ten years for the release of Daily Intelligence Briefings presented to the presidents from 1997 through 2003 and authorizes the Public Interest Declassification Board to release documents, without the president's agreement, on prewar intelligence regarding Iraq. The bill report notes that the PIDB has asked Congress for the authority to release the documents without approval from the White House.

{S1538}

SENATE CONSIDERS COMMERCE, JUSTICE AND SCIENCE APPROPRIATIONS BILL

The Senate began amending the House-passed spending bill for the Departments of Commerce and Justice and for NASA and other related agencies. The House agreed to spend $53.6 billion, an amount $2.9 billion over last year and $2.3 billion over the President’s request.

{HR 3093}

Bills Focus on Iraq Withdrawal Strategy; Iran Unions; Myanmar Junta; Taiwan Weapons; Ethiopia Democracy; and Central America Gang Violence

Iraq Withdrawal Strategy

Defense Department is asked for report on strategies planned for eventual troop withdrawal

HR 3087

Iran Unions

US Union's support resolution condemning alleged jailing of Iranian union leaders

HCR 203

Myanmar

Resolution calls for release of jailed Myanmar Prime minister

HCR 200

Arming Taiwan

Promise to respond if Taiwan is attacked is reaffirmed.

HRS 676

Ethiopian Democracy

Despite a successful 2005 election, Ethiopians still suffer under repressive regime.

HR 2003

Central American Gangs

Caught between Sth. American drug producers and US consumers, Central America fights increased drug-related violence.

HRS 564

The House is Adjourned until Tuesday October 9th. The Senate is expected to continue legislative work on HR 3093 but will adjourned until October 15th.