Major Issues Related to War Supplemental
Congress Set to Debate War Supplemental
April 1, 2003
The House and Senate will begin marking up the President’s $74.4 billion supplemental spending request for fiscal 2003 Tuesday, April 1, with the goal of passing the supplemental before Congress departs for Easter recess on April 11. The bill is expected on both the Senate and House floors on Wednesday, April 2.
Although the supplemental — which includes close to $60 billion for the war in Iraq — is likely to gain wide Congressional approval, contentious debate is expected on several sections of the bill.
FUNDING FOR HOMELAND SECURITY
The Administration is requesting $4.25 billion for homeland security, including $2 billion for first responders. However, these funds primarily address on-going training and equipment needs, and only provide $500 million for costs that have arisen as a consequence of heightened security measures put into place due to the war with Iraq. The U.S. Conference of Mayors said that ‘code orange” is costing U.S. cities $21.44 million/week.
Rep. Obey (D-WI) plans to offer an amendment that would add another $$6 billion or more for homeland security. Senate Democrats are expected to add a $4 - $5 billion package for first responders, port security, and mass transit, and Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) hinted that some increase could be expected. However, Rep. DeLay (R-TX) argues there is no need for additional homeland security funding.
EXPANSION OF THE COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION
The supplemental would permit the President to use up to $50 million in Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) program funds in states outside of the former Soviet Union, including Iraq. The CTR provision could encounter opposition from some House members who have criticized the program and who seek to limit its scope to the former Soviet Union. These opponents omitted a nearly identical provision from the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 2003. Other members may object to the provision because it requires no Congressional notification on the use of the funds, which include unobligated balances from prior fiscal years.
SPENDING FLEXIBILITY FOR THE PENTAGON
President Bush and Defense Secretary Rumsfeld have asked for broad authority to shift funds between different Pentagon spending accounts with little Congressional oversight. For example, Bush wants $59.9 billion placed in a “Defense Emergency Response Fund” to be spent as the Administration desires. Several powerful Democrats — and some Republicans — oppose this abandonment of Congressional prerogatives.
AID TO COLUMBIA
The supplemental includes over $100 million to assist Columbia in its campaign against narcotics and terrorism, on top of nearly $500 million already appropriated for 2003 and $700 million requested for 2004. Lawmakers concerned about Columbia’s dismal human rights record may oppose the extra funding.
AID TO TURKEY
The supplemental includes $1 billion in Economic Support Fund (ESF) grants to Turkey. Some Members may seek to reduce this amount, or add restrictions, in retaliation for the refusal of the Turkish parliament to allow U.S. troops to invade Iraq from Turkish soil.
MILENNIUM VILLAGE
The request includes $85.1 million for constructing a “Millennium Village” billeting and community center in Iraq to support U.S. forces and operations there. Although it is unclear whether such a facility constitutes a military base, it could be interpreted as such by those who could accuse the United States of seeking to occupy Iraq.
AIRLINE ASSISTANCE
Senate Republicans have reportedly agreed to a $2.8 billion airline assistance package to add to the supplemental. Senator Murray may offer a larger package to extend unemployment benefits for about 200,000 airline and related-industry workers. However, the package could encounter a fight over assistance to laid off workers, and House Majority Leader Tom Delay suggested that airline assistance should be dealt with separately.