September 21, 2001

Appropriations Still in Flux

Congress continues to wrestle with the task of completing the FY 2002 appropriations bills in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 bombings at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Although much of the routine congressional business has been deferred during the past two weeks, some details of the ongoing negotiations are beginning to emerge.

The White House reportedly wants to stick to the discretionary spending limit specified for FY 2002 in this year's budget resolution. Some appropriators want to increase the spending cap to accommodate additional funds for education. The $40 billion in emergency spending Congress approved Sept. 14 does not count against this limit.

The schedule for considering the individual appropriations bills remains in flux. The House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee canceled a mark-up scheduled for Sept. 20; there are reports the subcommittee may meet Sept. 25 but nothing is definite. The House has named conferees for several of the other appropriations bills, including VA-HUD, so that those conferences can begin work the week of Sept. 24.

In addition, the House is expected to vote Sept. 24 on a two-week continuing resolution (CR) to keep federal programs operating at current year levels after the Oct. 1 start of the 2002 fiscal year. The Senate is expected to consider the CR on Sept. 25. While there continue to be reports that various congressional leaders are proposing some type of long-term CR or omnibus appropriations bill, appropriators appear to remain opposed to the idea, preferring to complete action on the 13 individual bills.

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