National Security Legislative Wrap-up, June 11-15 2007

Delay is not just a disgraced former House Member from Texas; it is also what has happened to several national security bills. This past week, appropriations bills were held up in the House due to Republican vs. Democratic disagreements over handling of earmarks. With that dispute resolved, the full House is scheduled to consider the Fiscal Year 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations bill and the State, Foreign Operations bill this week. While the Senate had been expected to consider the Defense Authorization bill in late June, because of the Lazarus-like resurrection of the immigration bill, the Defense bill is likely off until after the 4th of July recess.

KEY NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS IN 2007

- ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS BILL:

On June 6, the full Appropriations Committee approved the Subcommittee's bill with no change. The bill is expected to go to the floor of the House of Representatives the week of June 18.

- STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS BILL:

On June 12, the bill was approved by the full Appropriations Committee. It is not clear when the bill will be considered by the full House.

- DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL:

The full Senate is scheduled to consider the bill in July, but the timetable is up in the air.