House leaders grappling with next step on first-responder measure

If and when the House takes up legislation to change the way the nation's first responders receive funding to prepare and respond to a terrorist attack, GOP leaders must still decide how to move the package.

House Homeland Security Chairman Christopher Cox, R-Calif., who introduced the measure earlier this year, could attempt to once again bring the legislation to the floor under suspension of the rules next week. That strategy would require a two-thirds vote for approval -- an outcome some say is doubtful.

Cox said Wednesday he is aiming for a suspension vote, but "it depends on what shape the bill is in" after negotiations conclude with New York City GOP Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Returning this week from the August break, it appeared Cox had convinced GOP leaders to bring the legislation to the House floor Wednesday. It was then pulled after Bloomberg objected to the legislation. He said it no longer would increase funding for New York City and other highly vulnerable areas.

Bloomberg and Cox have been negotiating all week. "The talks are ongoing," Cox's spokesman said late Wednesday.

Cox and Homeland Security ranking member Jim Turner, D-Texas, both said if the bill garners broad, bipartisan support they would like a suspension vote.

However, lawmakers Wednesday expressed skepticism that a majority of legislators would support a closed debate without an opportunity to address concerns in the legislation through amendments.

"I doubt very much they're going to have the necessary consensus to put it on the suspension calendar," Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., said.

"Everybody is going to want to be heard," he said, recalling the angry, late-night dispute this summer between rural and urban lawmakers during House debate on the fiscal 2005 Homeland Security Appropriations measure.

Rep. John Sweeney, R-N.Y., echoed that statement, saying he would be "surprised" by a suspension vote.

Cox said Wednesday his legislation does not reflect the same argument that erupted over the spending bill. "That's not what's going on here," he said, claiming that 99 percent of funding would be appropriated based on risk, whether it is an urban or rural area.

On the day Congress adjourned for the August break, Cox scored a compromise with the bill's most ardent opponent: House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Don Young, R-Alaska. The two agreed to a two-tiered minimum funding structure to guarantee each state receives a certain percentage of funding.

The deal was quite a feat for Cox, considering Young and Transportation and Infrastructure ranking member James Oberstar, D-Minn., have voiced contempt for Cox and Turner's temporary select panel and legislation they produce.

Cox tried to approve the bill under suspension, but Turner balked because he did not believe his Democratic colleagues would broadly support the compromise. Bloomberg's office immediately contacted the Homeland panel to object.