National Security Legislative Wrap-Up

The Senate Appropriations Committee completed mark-up of the Fiscal Year 2009 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. However, it is not likely that the bill will be considered by the full Senate. Congress completed action on the wiretap bill as well. Senate consideration of the annual Defense Authorization bill could begin this week or the following week or mañana.

KEY 2008 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

FISCAL YEAR 2009 ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS BILL

The Senate Energy and Water Subcommittee completed its mark-up on July 8 and the full Committee on July 10. While few details of the mark-up are available, the Committee cut the entire $10 million request for the Reliable Replacement Warhead but approved $145 million for plutonium pit manufacturing. It is not clear if or when if the bill will be considered by the full Senate.

SANCTIONS ON IRAN/RUSSIA "123" NUCLEAR AGREEMENT

On July 7, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) formally introduced the bill as S. 3227.

The House of Representatives may consider a resolution introduced by Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Mike Pence (R-IN) that has more than 230 sponsors. H.Con.Res. 362 is non-binding resolution that demands that President Bush initiate an international effort to prohibit petroleum exports to Iran and impose stringent inspections on everything entering or departing Iran. Some view a potential blockade as an act of war. The Senate version is S. Res. 580, introduced by Sens. Evan Bayh (D-IN) and John Thune (R-SD), which currently has 33 co-sponsors.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said on July 7 that the bill will be considered on the Senate floor in July.

ON THE HORIZON: NATIONAL SECURITY LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL

The House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee has scheduled its mark-up or writing of this bill for July 16. The full House Appropriations Committee mark-up is scheduled for July 23. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said that the bill will be considered on the Senate floor in July or September.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS BILL
The House Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee has scheduled its mark-up or writing of this bill for July 16. The full House Appropriations Committee mark-up is scheduled for July 23.