Senate may vote Sept. 11 on civil service issues in homeland bill

The Senate could vote on a key amendment to homeland security legislation Sept. 11, the anniversary of the terrorist attacks that spawned the effort to create a Cabinet-level Homeland Security Department.

According to a preliminary schedule for debate on the measure, senators could vote as early as next Wednesday-Sept. 11-on a GOP amendment that would give the secretary of the new department the flexibility to waive certain civil service laws in the name of protecting national security.

The amendment, which is expected to be offered this Thursday by Governmental Affairs ranking member Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., is fiercely opposed by Senate Democrats. On Tuesday, President Bush reiterated his threat to veto the legislation if it does not include the managerial flexibility that he seeks for the department. The bill on the Senate floor, drafted by Governmental Affairs Chairman Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., excludes the civil service waivers.

If Thompson offers his amendment Thursday, a final vote may not come until Sept. 11, Minority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., told reporters Wednesday.

Senators will take up the bill Wednesday afternoon, but then switch to debating the 2003 Interior appropriations bill Thursday morning. The Senate will return to homeland security Thursday afternoon, but that will not leave nearly enough time to debate the amendment.

The Senate returns Monday, but will likely not hold votes Tuesday because nearly a dozen states hold primaries. On Wednesday, Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., said the Senate could return for votes that evening to allow lawmakers to participate in Sept. 11 anniversary ceremonies around the country.