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McCain to Propose CR in Lieu of Omnibus
Monday, March 2, 2009
3:30 PM

In a move that would echo calls from House Republican leaders to freeze discretionary spending for normal governmental operations this year, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) intends to offer an amendment to the fiscal year 2009 omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 1105) that would replace the omnibus with a seven-month extension of the current continuing resolution (P.L. 110-329) that funds most of the federal government's regular operations at FY 2008 levels.

McCain's spokesperson confirmed his intent to offer the CR extension, although the exact timing was uncertain at presstime.

"Now that's a reasonable amendment to offer," Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said earlier today. "I think that's appropriate."

McCain went to the well this afternoon to attack the bill's estimated $7 billion in earmarks, questioning whether the parochial projects had been authorized or appropriately examined against other initiatives.
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"No, they're in there because of the political clout and seniority of members of Congress.," McCain argued. "That's what this is all about Mr. President. Political influence."

Due to last year's impasse between congressional Democrats and President Bush over spending levels, eleven cabinet-level departments have been operating at fiscal year (FY) 2008 levels since FY 2009 began on October 1, 2008. These departments are currently being funded by the current CR that expires at midnight on Friday. Only the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs have received regular operations funding for the current fiscal year.

In light of Senate Appropriations Ranking Member Thad Cochran's (R-MS) support for the omnibus package, the McCain amendment is not expected to be approved. For the same reason, the omnibus is expected to pass the Senate this week without amendment and be cleared for President Obama's desk.

Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag confirmed yesterday that Obama will sign the omnibus as currently drafted despite the legislation's earmarks.

 

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