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Managing America: Continuing Appropriations

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Week Ending September 28, 2007

H.J.RES.52 Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes.

This is a common bill at this time of the year when Congress finds it will not complete passage of, and the President is not expected to sign, the spending measures for the 13 departments of government. The bill continues spending at prior fiscal year levels with some exceptions and prohibitions.

The Department of Defense is restricted to current year funding and may not initiate new spending but may continue spending for existing projects at the current spending rates. Funds, however, may be used to initiate projects and activities require to be undertaken for force protection purposes in Iraq.

Additional funds, $5.2 billion, are provided for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Fund and the Secretary of Defense is given the authority, with congressional approval, to transfer funds as needed.

In general, if the funds were not provided by Congress last year, they can not be spent this year. Departments are expected to function at the most minimal spending levels. Funds spent by departments between passage of this resolution and the actual enactment of spending bills for the specific departments will be charged to that department’s appropriations. The same rules apply for programs funded as mandatory spending.

Hiring and training of border patrol agents is limited to the levels authorized for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 (July through September 2007). The Secretary of Homeland Security may spend as necessary to maintain not more than the average monthly number of detention bed spaces at 2007 levels.

In addition to funds appropriated for FY 2008 $5 billion is provided for Child Health Insurance Programs. The funds are distributed to the States.

The State Department Diplomatic and Consular Affairs programs will receive an additional $4.4 billion for operations of which $778.5 million is for worldwide security upgrades (embassies)

Widows of Senator Craig Thomas (WY) and Representative Paul Gilmore (OH) each will receive death benefits of $162,500.

The Minority motion to recommit the bill requires the bill to include language in support of US General Petraeus and condemning the Moveon.org ad that asked, “General Petraeus or General Betray Us?”

Sponsor:  Rep. David Obey (D-WI-7^th)

Vote: The resolution passed the House September 26, 2007 with a 404 to 14 vote RC 911. The minority motion to recommit the bill was agreed to 341 to 79 RC 910. Agreed to in the Senate 94 to 1 September 27, 2007. RV 355

Text of the motion to recommit

   Sec. 150. (a) Congress makes the following findings:

   (1) General David H. Petraeus was confirmed by a unanimous vote of 8l-0 in the Senate on January 26, 2007, to be the Commander of the Multi-National Forces--Iraq;

   (2) General David H. Petraeus assumed command of the Multi-National Forces--Iraq on February 10, 2007;

   (3) General David H. Petraeus previously served in Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Commander of the Multi-National Security Transition Command--Iraq, as the Commander of the NATO Training Mission--Iraq, and as Commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air--Assault) during the first year of combat operations in Iraq;

   (4) General David H. Petraeus has received numerous awards and distinctions during his career, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Defense Superior Service Medal, four awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal for valor, the State Department Superior Honor Award, the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, and the Gold Award of the Iraqi Order of the Date Palm; and

   (5) The leadership of the majority party in both the House of Representatives and the Senate implored the American people and Members of Congress early in January 2007 to listen to the generals on the ground.

   (b) It is the Sense of the Congress that the House of Representatives--

   (1) recognizes the service of General David H. Petraeus, as well as all other members of the Armed Forces serving in good standing, in the defense of the United States and the personal sacrifices made by General Petraeus and his family, and other members of the Armed Forces and their families, to serve with distinction and honor;

   (2) commits to judge the merits of the sworn testimony of General David H. Petraeus without prejudice or personal bias, including refraining from unwarranted personal attacks;

   (3) condemns in the strongest possible terms the personal attacks made by the advocacy group MoveOn.org impugning the integrity and professionalism of General David H.Petraeus;

   (4) honors all members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel serving in harm's way, as well as their families; and

   (5) pledges to debate any supplemental funding request or any policy decisions regarding the war in Iraq with the solemn respect and the commitment to intellectual integrity that the sacrifices of these members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel deserve.

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