National Security Legislative Wrap-up

Last week, the Senate was bogged down with the omnibus package of the nine remaining Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations bills, including those for the Department of Energy and foreign assistance. It will continue work this week.


KEY CALENDAR 2009 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

FISCAL YEAR 2009 OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL: ENERGY AND WATER PORTION

The Senate attempted to complete action on the bill, but couldn't achieve 60 votes to stop a filibuster. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid hopes to complete the bill by Tuesday, March 10. Thus far, all attempts to amend the bill have been rejected. An amendment by Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) to bar use of funds in the bill to contract with any company does business with Iran's energy sector failed with a vote of 41 - 53.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL: STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS PORTION

The Senate attempted to complete action on the bill, but couldn't achieve 60 votes to stop a filibuster. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid hopes to complete the bill by Tuesday, March 10. Thus far, all attempts to amend the bill have been rejected.