Pelosi Bullish On Supplemental, Despite Caucus Concerns

Thu. May 8, 2008


Speaker Pelosi said today that a $183.6 billion supplemental funding package for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will be on the floor next week, with a goal of getting a final package to President Bush by Memorial Day. "We will bring up our bill next week," Pelosi told reporters. Senate Appropriations Chairman Robert Byrd delayed today's planned markup of a competing $168.9 billion package until next Thursday. Byrd, who is insisting on a markup even though House leaders are taking their version directly to the floor, said he postponed the markup "very reluctantly."

Democratic leaders had hoped to bring their measure to the House floor for a vote today but faced strong opposition from inside their Caucus, particularly from Blue Dogs who contend spending on some non-defense programs violated pay-go rules. Several members of the group have threatened to vote against the rule overseeing floor debate of the bill in an effort to kill the package. Others say privately they will back the rule but not vote for the bill. In the face of such opposition, Rep. John Tanner, D-Tenn., a member of the Ways and Means Committee, said he is looking at options for offsetting the cost of veterans' education provisions.

But even if offsets are found, sources said inclusion of the veterans' tuition package has incensed many members, including Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-S.D., who sponsored a competing measure in the House. Caucus sources said critics of the move see its inclusion in the bill, even if it is ultimately paid for, as an election-year political move that will not get funded in later years. Despite such problems, Pelosi was optimistic that the hurdles could be overcome. "I am very confident that next week we will come to the floor with a bill that has the full consensus of the Democrats and hopefully can attract a large number of Republicans," she said.

The White House has remained adamant in its opposition to the package. In an interview, OMB Director Nussle reiterated the administration's veto threat over the added non-defense spending. Echoing the complaints of House Republican leaders, he argued there is no need to extend unemployment insurance benefits because the most recent unemployment figures show that the rate has gone down slightly. He added that congressional Democrats have not sought to discuss the issue with the White House. House Minority Leader Boehner today pledged to continue using delay tactics on the floor to voice the Republicans' dissatisfaction with the Democrats' decision to skip the committee process and bring the bill straight to the floor.

by Christian Bourge and Humberto Sanchez

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