National Security Legislative Wrap-Up

The Senate began work on the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Authorization bill last week, and hopes to complete consideration of the bill by tomorrow. Also last week, the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee approved the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Appropriations bill, but the House Appropriations Committee postponed its planned mark-up of its version. It is no longer clear that this appropriations bill will be completed before the congressional session ends in a few weeks.

KEY 2008 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL

On September 10, the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee approved a $487.7 billion Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Appropriations Bill by voice vote. The bill is $4 billion less than requested by the President but 6.2% above last year's enacted level. It is now uncertain whether the bill will be completed before the end of this session, although it could be taken up in a lame duck session. The measure may become the vehicle for the Fiscal Year 2009 Continuing Resolution, a bill to provide temporary funding early in a fiscal year when Congress has not completed funding on appropriations bills.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL

The Senate took up the bill last week, but voted on only a few amendments. In the most significant vote thus far, a Vitter (R-LA) amendment to increase missile defense funding was defeated 39 – 57. There are about 200 amendments remaining on the bill, but Armed Services Committee Chairman Levin (D-MI) hopes to complete work on the bill early this week. Senate Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) has filed cloture on the bill to limit debate. According to hill publications, amendments on earmarks, the Iraq surge and military absentee ballots are holding up the bill.

RUSSIA "123" NUCLEAR AGREEMENT

The agreement is dead for the year in the wake of the conflict between Russia and Georgia. The Bush Administration has formally withdrawn the measure from Congress, although it could be reconsidered next year.