December 14, 2001

Mental Health Debate Delays Labor-HHS Bill

Conferees still struggling to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the FY 2002 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill (H.R. 3061) concede the final bill likely will not go to the House floor before Dec. 18. A major obstacle to completing the bill is a provision in the Senate version - sponsored by Senators Pete Domenici (R-N.Mex.) and Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.) - to expand mental health insurance coverage. House Republicans object to including the amendment in the final bill, and the White House reportedly wants to wait until next year to address the issue.

The Labor-HHS bill is one of three appropriations measures that have not been cleared for the President. Conferees continue to work on the FY 2002 defense spending bill, which has been complicated by the inclusion of a $20 billion emergency supplemental package to support anti-terrorism and recovery efforts.

The House and Senate Dec. 13 approved a seventh continuing resolution (H.J. Res. 78) to keep the federal government operating through Dec. 21. The current CR expires Dec. 15.

Information: Dave Moore, AAMC Office of Governmental Relations, 202-828-0525.