Capitol Hill Reports - Morning Briefing: Veto Threat Looms Over Defense Authorization Bill

Capitol Hill Reports

Staff & Contact Info

Order Capitol Hill Reports

Subscriber Log In

Morning Briefing: Veto Threat Looms Over Defense Authorization Bill
Thursday, June 25, 2009
10:15 AM

The White House yesterday informed Congress that President Obama's senior advisors would recommend vetoing the fiscal year (FY) 2010 Defense authorization legislation if it contains language currently in the House bill (H.R. 2647) that green-lights funding to procure additional F-22 fighter jets and to continue development of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's (JSF's) alternative engine program.

"The collective judgment of the Service Chiefs and Secretaries of the military departments suggests that a final program of record of 187 F-22s is sufficient to meet operational requirements," states the White House policy document. The administration also argues that the JSF's alternative engine initiative would delay the fielding of the aircraft, and that spending on a second engine is unnecessary. "The current engine is performing well with more than 11,000 test hours," the Statement of Administration Policy goes on to say.

The full House began debate on H.R. 2647 yesterday. A final vote on the bill is expected by week's end.

House passes DHS spending legislation. The House yesterday passed the FY 2010 homeland security appropriations bill (H.R. 2892) on a 389 to 37 vote. The legislation, as reported by House appropriators, provides $42.6 billion in the next fiscal year for Department of Homeland Security programs such as first responder grants, immigration, customs, and border security. During debate on the bill, the body approved a procedural motion to add language boosting funding for the E-Verify program by $50 million.

Sign Up for News Alerts

News Archive

Appropriations Scorecard

The following floor amendments were adopted to the homeland security appropriations bill prior to final passage:

Price (NC) - Increases funding for the Firefighter grant program, nonprofit security grants, the Metropolitan Medical Response System, and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. In addition, the amendment contains two prohibitions on funds in this bill being used: for first class travel, with certain exceptions, and to close or transfer operations of a FEMA recovery office. Finally, the amendment ensures DHS employees who interact with the public can use personal protective equipment without negative personnel action.
Lewis (CA) - Adds $34 million to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, intending to fund 200 additional Border Patrol agents, offset by reducing funding for the Offices of the Secretary and Executive Management; Under Secretary for Management; Chief Financial Officer; and Chief Information Officer.
King (NY) - Adds $50 million in funding to the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, with $40 million intended for the Securing the Cities initiative and $10 million intended for the procurement of radiation portal monitors, offset by a reduction in the Department's Office of the Secretary and Executive Management and the Office of the Under Secretary for Management.
Bilirakis - Increases funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) salaries and expenses by $1.7 million offset by reducing funding for the Office of the Secretary and Executive Management. The funds are intended to be used to expand the Visa Security Program, which places ICE personnel overseas at high-risk locations to screen visa applications.
King (IA) - Reduces and then increases funding for United States Customs and Border Protection salaries and expenses by $1 million. This funding would go towards removing the lookout posts that have been established along the U.S.-Mexico border.
King (IA) - Prohibits any funds in the Act from being used to employ illegal workers as defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Today's schedule. The House will continue consideration of the FY 2010 defense authorization bill and possibly begin debate on the Interior & Environment appropriations bill (H.R. 2996). The Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Harold Hongju Koh to be Legal Adviser of the Department of State.