3/29/2006 - Washington, DC - The House Budget Committee convened this morning to begin marking up its FY 2007 budget resolution. As drafted, the resolution would cap discretionary spending at $873 billion—the level requested in President Bush’s proposal.
As the Senate successfully approved an amendment two-weeks ago to increase education and health spending by $7 billion—House lawmakers are feeling pressure from education and health care advocacy groups to follow suit.
In today’s markup, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) will offer a $7 billion amendment to increase funding for education, health, and social services. Also supporting a raise in the discretionary spending level is Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE), who has stated he would not vote for a House resolution that would result in real cuts to education, healthcare, housing and other social service programs. Congress Daily reports that House Republican moderates are optimistic they can garner enough support to increase domestic discretionary spending –however some apprehension remains. "What are our chances of success? I don't know. What were George Mason's chances of making the Final Four?," stated Castle. A Committee vote on the budget resolution is expected for later this afternoon. |
