National Security Legislative Wrap-up

Last week, the Senate approved the omnibus package of the nine remaining Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations bills, including those for the Department of Energy and foreign assistance. The bill has been signed by the President.

KEY CALENDAR 2009 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

FISCAL YEAR 2009 OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL: ENERGY AND WATER PORTION

During the week of March 3, the Senate attempted to complete action on the $410 billion bill, but couldn't achieve the 60 votes necessary to stop a filibuster. However, on March 10, the Senate voted 62 - 35 to end debate on the bill and then completed final passage by voice vote. All attempts to amend the bill were rejected, so no conference committee with the House was required. An amendment by Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) to bar use of funds in the bill to contract with any company that does business with Iran's energy sector failed with a vote of 41 - 53.

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

During the week of March 3, the Senate attempted to complete action on the $410 billion bill, but couldn't achieve the 60 votes necessary to stop a filibuster. However, on March 10, the Senate voted 62 - 35 to end debate on the bill and then completed final passage by voice vote. All attempts to amend the bill were rejected, so no conference committee with the House was required.

SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL TO PAY FOR THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WARS

The bill may be considered in the House Appropriations Committee by the end of March, with floor action completed in both the House and Senate before the May recess. House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee chairman John Murtha (D-PA) is talking about adding more than $10 billion to the bill for new weapons.

FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET

The House and Senate Budget Committees may consider the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Resolution the week of March 23. The measure establishes ceilings on large categories of spending, including defense. The House and Senate hope to complete action on the budget resolutions before the spring recess that begins on April 4.

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.

National Security Legislative Wrap-up

Last week, the House approved in one omnibus package the nine remaining Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations bills, including those for the Department of Energy and foreign assistance. The Senate is expected to consider the same bill this week. In addition, the Administration released an outline of the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, but the detailed program will not follow until April.

KEY CALENDAR 2009 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

FISCAL YEAR 2009 OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL: ENERGY AND WATER PORTION

The Omnibus appropriations bill, a collection of nine appropriations bills, included $33.3 billion for the Fiscal Year 2009 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. Congress once again refused to provide any funding for the Reliable Replacement Warhead. It provided $1.5 billion for nuclear non-proliferation programs, $146 million above 2008 and $395 million for the Global Threat Reduction Initiative, double 2008, to recover nuclear and radioactive materials from sites around the world that could be used as weapons and to secure sites in the U.S. and Russia. The Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) was zeroed out, although $145 million was approved for the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative, the research portion of GNEP.

On February 25, the House approved the $410 Omnibus appropriations measure by a vote of 245 - 178. The Senate is expected to consider the measure the week of March 2.

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

The Omnibus appropriations bill, a collection of nine appropriations bills, included $38.2 billion for the Fiscal Year 2009 International Affairs Budget. The largest component – $36.6 billion or 96% of the International Affairs Budget – is the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations bill. The $38.2 billion base total represents and 11.4%or $3.9 billion increase above Fiscal Year 2008 base funding levels and a 4% or $1.6 billion decrease below the Bush Administration’s Fiscal Year 2009 request.

SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL TO PAY FOR THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WARS

On February 26, the Administration requested $75.5 billion in war funding for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2009, which, when combined with the $68.5 billion already approved in 2008, brings the total war funding for 2009 to $144 billion. The Administration also requested $130 billion in war funding for Fiscal Year 2010.

FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET

On February 26, the Obama Administration released a preliminary outline of the Fiscal Year 2010 defense budget, although the detailed budget request will not be released until April. The topline request provides $534 billion in Fiscal Year 2010 funding for the Department of Defense’s “base” budget, which excludes funding for Iraq, Afghanistan, and nuclear weapons activities. The request also includes $130 billion to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thus the total request is $664 billion. This figure does not include funding for nuclear weapons or miscellaneous non-DOD defense costs, which were approximately $23 billion in FY 2009. Without adjusting for inflation, the $534 billion topline request is $21 billion, or 4.1 percent, greater than the $513 billion appropriated by Congress in FY 2009 for DOD’s base budget. For a more thorough analysis, see the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation’s analysis.

The President requested $51.7 billion for the Fiscal Year 2010 International Affairs Budget, an estimated $4.5 billion or 9.5% above the comparable amount for Fiscal Year 2009. The details of the request will be presented later. This total includes the money included in the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus appropriations bill and two supplemental bills.

National Security Legislative Wrap-up

This week, Congress returns from Presidents Day recess. President Obama delivers an address to Congress Tuesday evening, February 24, an almost "State of the Union" address. On Thursday, February 26, the Administration releases an outline of the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, but the detailed program will not follow until April. The House is scheduled to consider in one omnibus package the nine remaining Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations bills, including the Department of Energy and foreign assistance.

National Security Legislative Wrap-up

Congress is now in recess for the Presidents Day holiday. Before leaving town, it completed action on the President’s $787 billion economic stimulus package. In conference action, it eliminated $1 billion that was to go to the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). In the next few weeks, Congress may deal with the uncompleted Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations measures through an Omnibus appropriations bill (a collection of appropriations bills). This Omnibus bill would include the Department of Energy budget, which contains money for nuclear weapons and is currently being funded at the Fiscal Year 2008 level through a continuing resolution or ‘CR’ that expires on March 6. Congress could also take up a supplemental appropriations bill to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, by the end of February, the White House is expected to deliver to Congress the broad outlines of its Fiscal Year 2010 budget request, although the detailed bu! dget is not expected until April.

KEY 2009 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE

On February 13, Congress approved the President’s $787 billion economic stimulus bill. The House-Senate conferees working out differences between the House and Senate bills knocked out $1 billion that the Senate had added for the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), primarily for infrastructure projects. Arms control groups opposed the funding because of a lack of clarity on how the funds would be used and a fear that the money could be used to advance new nuclear weapons.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL: ENERGY AND WATER PORTION

On June 17, 2008, the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee marked up or wrote its annual bill that included $33.3 billion for Fiscal Year 2009. It cut all funds for the Reliable Replacement Warhead and prohibited any spending for the project. It increased nuclear non-proliferation funding by $283 million. The Subcommittee also cut the $302 million requested for the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership to $120 million and restricted the use of the remaining funds; recommended no funding (a cut of $145 million) for the manufacture of new nuclear weapons pits (which are the core of the weapons); and recommended no funds (a cut of $100 million) for the Chemistry and Metallurgy Research Facility Replacement. It increased funding for the Global Threat Reduction Initiative from $220 million to $407 million; Non-Proliferation and International Security from $140 million to $185 million; and International (nuclear) Materials Protection and Cooperation from $430 million to ! $609 million. On June 25, the full House Appropriations Committee approved the bill as reported by the Subcommittee.

The Senate Energy and Water Subcommittee completed its mark-up on July 8, 2008 and the full Committee on July 10. The Committee cut the entire $10 million request for the Reliable Replacement Warhead but approved $145 million for plutonium pit manufacturing.

A House-Senate compromise version will be included in the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill.

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

On July 16, 2008, the House State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee approved the Fiscal Year 2009 State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs appropriations bill. On July 17, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its version of the bill. Both bills provide $36.6 billion in funding and represent the largest component of the Fiscal Year 2009 International Affairs Budget. When combined with the proposed $1.3 billion in funding for the International Food Aid Programs (Agriculture Appropriations) and $300 million for the Global AIDS Fund (HHS-Labor Appropriations), total spending for the Fiscal Year 2009 International Affairs Budget will be $38.2 billion. This spending level represents a $1.6 billion reduction from the Administration's request and a $4 billion increase or 11% increase over Fiscal Year 2008 base spending levels. On June 25, the full House Appropriations Committee approved the bill as reported by the Subcommittee.

A House-Senate compromise version will be included in the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill.

SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL TO PAY FOR THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WARS

The Department of Defense is soon expected to submit to Congress a new request of about $69 billion to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in Fiscal Year 2009. In 2008, Congress approved $68 billion for the wars for the first months of Fiscal Year 2009. This $68 billion is expected to run out sometime in June.

FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET

The White House is expected to deliver to Congress the broad outlines of its Fiscal Year 2010 budget request by the end of February, although the detailed budget is not expected until April. However, there are already reports in the trade press that missile defense funding will be cut by $2 billion and there will be no funding for the Reliable Replacement Warhead. For a preview of the Fiscal Year 2010 request, see the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation’s analysis.

National Security Legislative Wrap-Up

Congress is now in recess for the election. In its final item of national security business last week, Congress approved the U.S.-India nuclear cooperation agreement. An attempt to win approval of new sanctions on Iran failed in the Senate. The Senate is expected to return for a lameduck session in mid-November; the House schedule is not clear.

KEY 2008 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

U.S. - INDIA DEAL

On October 1, in the waning days of the session, the Senate approved the agreement by a vote of 86 – 13. A Dorgan (D-ND) - Bingaman (D-NM) amendment to prohibit nuclear trade with India in the event that India detonates a nuclear weapon and to impose certain reporting requirements was defeated by voice vote.

SANCTIONS ON IRAN

Just before the beginning of the election recess, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid tried to gain unanimous consent to bring up and pass new sanctions on Iran, but Republicans objected.

National Security Legislative Wrap-Up

Last week, Congress completed action on both the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Authorization Bill and the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Appropriations Bill. The latter measure was passed in a package of bills that included the Continuation Resolution to fund through March government agencies for which no appropriations bill has been passed, three appropriations bills, loans to Detroit auto makers, and other bills. The House also passed a new Iran sanctions bill and the latest version of the U.S.-India nuclear deal. The fate of these two measures remains uncertain, as Congress is about to adjourn for the year.

KEY 2008 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL

On September 24, the House adopted H.R. 2638, a package of three appropriations bills -- Defense, Homeland Security and Military Construction-Veterans' Administration -- as part of the Continuing Resolution to fund through March government agencies for which no appropriations bill has been approved. This procedure was highly unusual. The bill provides $487.7 billion in total defense funding, $4 billion less than the administration's request but 6.2 percent above the FY2008 funding level. The package does not appropriate any funding for ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Noteworthy provisions in the Defense Appropriations bill:

• Prohibits the use of funds to establish any permanent military installation or base in Iraq.
• Appropriates $434 million, $20 million above the administration's request, for the Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) or "Nunn-Lugar" program.
• Funds a 3.9 percent across-the-board pay raise for military personnel, 0.5 percent higher than the administration's request.
• Includes the Defense Department's requested active duty personnel increases of 7,000 for the Army (to 532,400) and 5,000 for the Marine Corps (to 194,000). The Navy would decrease by 4,821 (to 325,300) while the Air Force would decrease by 12,792 (to 316,771), rather than by the 12,963 requested.

On Saturday, September 27, the Senate passed the same measure by a vote of 78 - 12, with one Senator voting present. The opponents were mostly fiscal conservatives.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL

On September 23, the House and Senate Armed Services Committees came to agreement on a compromise bill.

Among the victories in the bill:

• Cut all funds for the Reliable Replacement nuclear Warhead.
• Denied any funds for the Space Test Bed for space-based interceptor weapons.
• Authorized $465.8 million for the missile defense sites in Poland and the Czech Republic, a cut of $246.3 million, while adding some tough restrictions on the program.
• Increased funding for non-proliferation programs.
• Declined to add any new sanctions on Iran.
• Severely criticized the national missile defense program.

On September 24, the House approved the bill by a vote of 392 to 39.

On September 27, in a rare Saturday session, the Senate approved the bill by unanimous consent. Earlier, objections to the bill had led Senate Majority Leader Reid to file cloture to force a vote, but opponents relented and let the bill slide through. The President is expected to sign the bill.

U.S. - INDIA DEAL

On September 27, the House approved the U.S.-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval by a vote of 298 - 117. The measure as passed by the House is identical to the version approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on September 23 by a vote of 19 -2, with only Sens. Feingold (D-WI) and Boxer (D-CA) voting no. The Senate still has to pass the measure before it can go to the President for signing, and Senate action is up in the air.

SANCTIONS ON IRAN

On September 26, the House approved by voice vote H.R. 7112, a bill to place additional sanctions on Iran. The bill closely resembles S. 3445, a bill in the Senate. However, with Congress winding down for the year, the measure that passed the House may die.

National Security Legislative Wrap-Up

Last week, the Senate completed work on the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Authorization bill. The House and Senate hope to come to an agreement on the bill before recessing, perhaps by the end of the week. Congress is also hoping to pass a package of three appropriations bills -- Defense, Homeland Security and Military Construction-Veterans' Administration -- by the end of the week. In the meantime, the Bush Administration is putting heavy pressure on Congress to attach the latest version of the U.S.-India nuclear deal to the Continuing Resolution -- a bill to provide temporary funding early in a fiscal year when Congress has not completed funding on appropriations bills.

KEY 2008 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL

Congressional leaders hope to pass a package of three appropriations bills -- Defense, Homeland Security and Military Construction-Veterans' Administration -- before recessing at the end of this week.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL

On September 18, the Senate approved the bill by a vote of 88 - 8. It did so only after negotiating a “managers’ package” of about 100 amendments that died because it required unanimous consent to be added to the bill. As some Republicans objected to about $5 billion in earmarks in the report accompanying the bill, the Senate approved the measure for the most part as reported out of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The House and Senate hope to come to an agreement on a common bill before recessing, perhaps by the end of the week.

U.S. INDIA NUCLEAR DEAL

On September 10, the Bush Administration submitted the latest version of the U.S.-India nuclear deal, a so-called "123" agreement, to Congress. The Administration is pressuring Congress to approve the agreement before finishing its work for the year. It may be attached to the Continuing Resolution -- a bill to provide temporary funding early in a fiscal year when Congress has not completed funding on appropriations bills.

SANCTIONS ON IRAN

Sens. Dodd and Shelby tried to get the Iran sanctions measure attached to the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Authorization Bill, but the measure was included in a "managers' amendment" of about 100 amendments that never received unanimous consent to be included in the bill.

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.

National Security Legislative Wrap-Up

Congress returns to business today, and the Senate has another vote scheduled to bring up the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Authorization bill. Republicans have been blocking the bill because of their demand for a prior vote on oil drilling. With only three weeks of session scheduled for September, it is still less-than-certain that the authorization bill will be completed this year. Also scheduled this week is the full House Appropriations Committee mark-up of the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Appropriations bill, a bill written in subcommittee before the recess. This appropriations bill is expected to be completed before Congress ends the session in a few weeks.

KEY 2008 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL

On September 9, the full House Appropriations Committee will consider the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Appropriations Bill. Senate action on the bill has not yet been scheduled. 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.

RUSSIA "123" NUCLEAR AGREEMENT

The agreement is dead for the year after the conflict between Russia and Georgia. The Bush Administration is expected to formally withdraw the measure from Congress, although it could be reconsidered next year.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL

As the bill tends to take up to two weeks of Senate floor time, the measure has been put off until this month -- and many never be considered by the Senate. Majority Leader Harry Reid tried twice to bring up a motion to proceed to the bill, but the motion was blocked by Republicans insisting that the Senate vote first on drilling for off-shore oil. The 51 - 39 vote on July 31 on the motion to proceed was nine votes short of the required 60 votes.

National Security Legislative Wrap-Up

Congress has recessed for the summer and the two political conventions. It next returns to business on September 8. Last week, the House Defense Appropriations Committee completed its mark-up, or writing, of the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Appropriations bill. The only details available at this time are listed in a committee press release. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid filed a motion to bring up the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Authorization bill (already passed by the House), but was blocked by Republicans who insisted on a vote first on off-shore drilling for oil. On September 8, there is another vote scheduled on bringing up the Defense Authorization bill. With only three weeks of session scheduled for September, it is still less-than-certain that the authorization bill will ever be brought up.

KEY 2008 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL

On July 30, the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee marked up the bill. While details will remain scarce until the full Appropriations Committee considers the bill in September, the subcommittee approved $487.7 billion, $4 billion below the President's request and $28.4 billion above the Fiscal Year 2008 enacted level. There is no funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is contained in the already approved Supplemental Appropriations Bill. The bill requires a report from the Secretary of Defense on his plans to close the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, prison.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS BILL

On July 16, the House approved the Fiscal Year 2009 State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs appropriations bill. On July 17, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its version of the bill. Both bills provide $36.6 billion in funding and represent the largest component of the Fiscal Year 2009 International Affairs Budget. When combined with the proposed $1.3 billion in funding for the International Food Aid Programs (Agriculture Appropriations) and $300 million for the Global AIDS Fund (HHS-Labor Appropriations), total spending for the FY09 International Affairs Budget will be $38.2 billion. This spending level represents a $1.6 billion reduction from the Administration's request and a $4 billion increase or 11% increase over FY08 base spending levels.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL

As the bill tends to take up to two weeks of Senate floor time, the measure has been put off until September -- and many never be considered by the Senate. Majority Leader Harry Reid tried twice to bring up a motion to proceed to the bill, but the motion was blocked by Republicans insisting that the Senate vote first on drilling for off-shore oil. The 51 - 39 vote on July 31 on the motion to proceed was nine votes short of the required 60 votes.

National Security Legislative Wrap-Up

This is the last week of congressional session until September, and there is expected to be little action on national security issues. Aside from the Defense Appropriations bill scheduled for September, Congress may be done with legislation dealing with national security issues for the rest of 2008, with the possible exception of the U.S.-Russian civilian nuclear deal. That means the Defense Authorization bill, most appropriations bills, the U.S.-India nuclear deal and Iran sanctions legislation may not be considered until 2009, if at all.

KEY 2008 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

RUSSIA "123" NUCLEAR AGREEMENT

On July 24, the House Foreign Affairs Committee adopted legislation approving a civilian nuclear agreement between the U.S. and Russia, but added conditions on Russian support for Iran. The measure requires the President to certify that Russia is not helping Iran's nuclear weapons program and supports U.N. Security Council sanctions on Iran. Proponents argue that the only way to get the deal approved this year is to include these conditions.

If Congress takes no final action to approve the deal, it will likely die when Congress adjourns for the year on September 26 before 90 days of "continuous session" for congressional consideration have expired.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker Nancy Pelosi have said that the Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations bill will be one of two appropriations measures passed by Congress this year, most likely in September (the other may be the Military Construction and Veterans bill. The Senate Appropriations Committee mark-up scheduled for July 24 was postponed until September. The House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee mark-up is scheduled for July 30.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL

As the bill tends to take up to two weeks of Senate floor time, the measure has been put off until September -- and many never be considered by the Senate.

National Security Legislative Wrap-Up

The Senate and House Appropriations Committees completed their mark-ups of the Fiscal Year 2009 State, Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. However, as with most appropriations bills, it is not likely that the bill will be considered by the full House or Senate. Legislation to impose sanctions on Iran is bubbling, but again, there may not be sufficient time before adjournment to complete any legislation. While the Defense Authorization bill remains in limbo, House and Senate leadership have said that Congress will pass an annual Defense Appropriations bill -- most likely in September.

KEY 2008 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

FISCAL YEAR 2009 STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS BILL

On July 16, the House approved the Fiscal Year 2009 State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs appropriations bill. On July 17, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its version of the bill. Both bills provide $36.6 billion in funding and represent the largest component of the Fiscal Year 2009 International Affairs Budget. When combined with the proposed $1.3 billion in funding for the International Food Aid Programs (Agriculture Appropriations) and $300 million for the Global AIDS Fund (HHS-Labor Appropriations), total spending for the FY09 International Affairs Budget will be $38.2 billion. This spending level represents a $1.6 billion reduction from the Administration's request and a $4 billion increase or 11% increase over FY08 base spending levels.

SANCTIONS ON IRAN/RUSSIA "123" NUCLEAR AGREEMENT

On July 17, the Senate Banking Committee approved still another Iran sanctions bill by a vote 0f 19 - 2. The measure, introduced by Senate Banking Committee Chair Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Ranking member Richard Shelby (R-AL), would impose sanctions on foreign subsidiaries of U.S. companies that do business with Tehran. There is no section blocking the U.S.-Russian nuclear agreement.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker Nancy Pelosi have said that the Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations bill will be one of two appropriations measures passed by Congress this year, most likely in September. The Senate Appropriations Committee plans a mark-up of the bill on July 24.

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.

National Security Legislative Wrap-Up

Congress has returned from recess. The Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee has scheduled its mark-up of the annual Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for July 8 with a full Committee mark-up for July 10. Full Senate consideration of the annual Defense Authorization Bill could begin next week.

KEY 2008 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

FISCAL YEAR 2009 ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS BILL

On June 17, the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee marked up or wrote its annual bill that included $33.3 billion for Fiscal Year 2009. It cut all funds for the Reliable Replacement Warhead and prohibited any spending for the project. The Subcommittee also cut the $302 million requested for the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership to $120 million and restricted the use of the remaining funds, recommended no funding (a cut of $145 million) for the manufacture of new nuclear weapons pits (which are the core of the weapons), and no funds (a cut of $100 million) for the Chemistry and Metallurgy Research Facility Replacement. The committee increased funding for the Global Threat Reduction Initiative from $220 million to $407 million, Non-Proliferation and International Security from $140 million to $185 million and international nuclear materials protection and cooperation from $! 430 million to $609 million.

On June 25, the full House Appropriations Committee approved the bill as reported by the Subcommittee.

The Senate Energy and Water Subcommittee tentatively scheduled its mark-up for July 8 with a full Committee mark-up for July 10.

SANCTIONS ON IRAN/RUSSIA "123" NUCLEAR AGREEMENT

The House of Representatives may consider a resolution introduced by Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Mike Pence (R-IN) that has more than 200 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 in the Senate by Sens. Evan Bayh (D-IN) and John Thune (R-SD) that currently has 32 co-sponsors.

FISCAL YEAR 2008 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION BILL

On June 26, the Senate approved the bill by a vote of 92 - 6 and sent it to the President for signing.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL

The full Senate is likely to consider the bill sometime in July -- maybe.

NORTH KOREAN ASSISTANCE

As part of the completed fiscal year 2008/2009 Supplemental Appropriations to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Congress tacked on a waiver to the 1994 Glenn amendment, an amendment which limited the United States' ability to provide financial assistance to North Korea for dismantlement of its nuclear weapons program. The waiver was an arcane but crucial step in enabling further progress to be made on removing nuclear materials and shutting down North Korea's Yongbyon reactor. Up until now, the Glenn amendment had hindered the Department of Energy from funding work to verify and assist North Korea in disabling and dismantling its nuclear weapons programs.

National Security Legislative Wrap-Up

Congress is in recess for the 4th of July holiday. Last week, the Senate finally completed approval of the Supplemental Appropriations Bill to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The House Appropriations Committee approved the annual Energy and Water funding bill that includes nuclear weapons work and non-proliferation funding. The Senate failed to complete action on the new wiretapping bill approved by the House.

KEY 2008 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

FISCAL YEAR 2009 ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS BILL

On June 17, the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee marked up or wrote its annual bill that included $33.3 billion for Fiscal Year 2009. It cut all funds for the Reliable Replacement Warhead and prohibited any spending for the project. The Subcommittee also cut the $302 million requested for the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership to $120 million and restricted the use of the remaining funds, recommended no funding (a cutof $145 million) for the manufacture of new nuclear weapons pits (which are the core of the weapons), and no funds (a cut of $100 million) for the Chemistry and Metallurgy Research Facility Replacement. The committee increased funding for the Global Threat Reduction Initiative from $220 million to $407 million, Non-Proliferation and International Security from $140 million to $185 million and international nuclear materials protection and cooperation from $4! 30 million to $609 million.

On June 25, the full House Appropriations Committee approved the bill as reported by the Subcommittee.

The Senate Energy and Water Subcommittee tentatively scheduled its mark-up for July 8 with a full Committee mark-up for July 10.

SANCTIONS ON IRAN/RUSSIA "123" NUCLEAR AGREEMENT

The House of Representatives may consider a resolution introduced by Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Mike Pence (R-IN) that has more than 200 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 in the Senate by Sens. Evan Bayh (D-IN) and John Thune (R-SD) that currently has 32 co-sponsors.

FISCAL YEAR 2008 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION BILL

On June 26, the Senate approved the bill by a vote of 92 - 6 and sent it to the President for signing.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL

The full Senate is likely to consider the bill sometime in July -- maybe.

NORTH KOREAN ASSISTANCE

As part of the completed fiscal year 2008/2009 Supplemental Appropriations to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Congress tacked on a waiver to the 1994 Glenn amendment, an amendment which limited the United States' ability to provide financial assistance to North Korea for dismantlement of its nuclear weapons program. The waiver was an arcane but crucial step in enabling further progress to be made on removing nuclear materials and shutting down North Korea's Yongbyon reactor. Up until now, the Glenn amendment had hindered the Department of Energy from funding work to verify and assist North Korea in disabling and dismantling its nuclear weapons programs.

National Security Legislative Wrap-Up

Last week, the House finally voted to approve a new version of the Supplemental Appropriations Bill to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Senate is expected to consider the bill this week before the 4th of July recess begins on Friday. The House also approved a new wiretapping bill that the Senate is expected to consider this week. The House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee marked up its annual funding bill that includes nuclear weapons work and non-proliferation funding; the full Appropriations Committee is expected to consider the bill this week. The Senate Finance Committee approved new sanctions on Iran.

KEY 2008 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

FISCAL YEAR 2009 ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS BILL

On June 17, the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee marked up or wrote its annual bill that approves $33.3 billion for Fiscal Year 2009. It cut all funds for the Reliable Replacement Warhead and increased nuclear non-proliferation funding by $283 million. The Subcommittee also eliminated all $301.5 million for the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership.

The full House Appropriations Committee mark-up is scheduled for June 25.

SANCTIONS ON IRAN/RUSSIA "123" NUCLEAR AGREEMENT

On June 18, the Senate Finance Committee voted 19 - 2 to approve a bill to impose new sanctions on Iran. The measure also includes language to block a U.S-Russia nuclear agreement (a "123" agreement) because of Moscow’s provision of nuclear fuel and conventional weapons to Iran. On May 13, the Bush administration submitted the nuclear deal to Congress, which would allow U.S. nuclear companies access to the Russian market and the transfer of nuclear materials between the two countries. Congress has 90 days of “continuous session” to block the deal An effort by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) to strip out the language blocking the Russia agreement failed, 4-15.

FISCAL YEAR 2008 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION BILL

On June 19, the House approved a new version of the Supplemental bill. It voted 269 - 155 for $161.8 billion in war funding. The House had a separate vote on the portion of the bill that included expanded GI Bill education benefits for returning veterans, extended unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks, a moratorium on six Medicaid provisions, emergency funding for flood victims in the Middle West, Hurricane Katrina relief in Louisiana and $10.1 billion for the international affairs budget. The second vote was 416 - 12.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration this week.

ON THE HORIZON: NATIONAL SECURITY LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

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.

National Security Legislative Wrap-Up

Last week, Congress again postponed action on the Supplemental Appropriations Bill to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Once more, the House is expected to act on the bill this week, and perhaps the Senate too. The Senate is also expected to consider the Fiscal Year Defense Authorization bill -- as early as this week but possibly not until after the 4th of July recess. The House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee will mark up the funding bill that includes nuclear weapons work and non-proliferation funding.

FISCAL YEAR 2009 ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS BILL

The House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee has scheduled its mark-up or writing of this bill for June 17. The full House Appropriations Committee mark-up is scheduled for June 24.

FISCAL YEAR 2008 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION BILL

The Supplemental bill will now be considered by the House for approval, rejection or modification of the Senate-passed measure, before going to the President for signature or a veto. One possible outcome is that the House will now pass the war funding, the GI education bill, and not much else, and the Senate will agree to the House-passed version. However, Senate Democrats are pushing to include in the bill other provisions, including a 13-week extension of unemployment insurance benefits. Reminder: there will be no House-Senate conference on this bill.

National Security Legislative Wrap-up

Congress completed work on the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Resolution this past week, but postponed action on the Supplemental Appropriations Bill to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The House is expected to act on the Supplemental this week, and perhaps the Senate too. The Senate is also expected to consider the Fiscal Year Defense Authorization bill, but not for another week or two. The House Appropriations Committee is moving close to writing the Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations bills.


FISCAL YEAR 2008 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION BILL

The Supplemental bill now moves back to the House for approval, rejection or modification of the Senate-passed measure, likely early in June, before going to the President for signature or a veto. One possible outcome is that the House will now pass the war funding, the GI education bill, and not much else, and the Senate will agree to the House-passed version. However, Senate Democrats are pushing to include in the bill other provisions, including a 13-week extension of unemployment insurance benefits. Reminder: there will be no House-Senate conference on this bill.


FISCAL YEAR 2009 BUDGET RESOLUTION

A House-Senate conference to resolve differences between the two versions of the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Resolution was concluded on May 20. The conference report provided $1.1 trillion in Fiscal Year 2009 discretionary spending, which is $21 billion above the $991.6 billion requested by the Administration. The total budget including mandatory spending (Social Security, Medicare), is $3 trillion. The recommended funding for defense discretionary funding is $537.8 billion in budget authority and $568.7 billion in outlays -- not including money to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The conference report also provided $38.3 billion for International Affairs budget authority and $38.4 billion in outlays. Although this funding level is $1.5 billion below the Administration's request, it is $4 billion above the FY08 enacted level of $34.3 billion.

On June 4, the Senate adopted the Budget Resolution conference report by a vote of 48 to 45. Senators John Warner (R-VA) and Peter Domenici (R-NM) withheld their "no" votes as both Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Robert Byrd (D-WV) were absent.

On June 5, the House voted 214 to 210 to adopt the conference report.


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.


FISCAL YEAR 2009 ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS BILL

The House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee has scheduled its mark-up or writing of this bill for June 17. The full House Appropriations Committee mark-up is scheduled for June 24.

National Security Legislative Wrap-up

Congress returns from recess this week from the Memorial Day recess. Pending action on national security issues is possible, including House consideration of the Senate-passed Supplemental Appropriations bill to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. On May 22, the Senate approved funding for the war, rejected Iraq-related provisions, and added, with a veto-proof majority, the G.I. bill and a number of domestic funding provisions. Rather than a House-Senate conference to resolve differences between the House version of the bill and the Senate version, the House will either accept, reject, or modify what the Senate passed on May 22.