Quick action expected on omnibus in November

Senate Appropriations Chairman Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, conceded on Friday that it was unlikely the fiscal 2005 appropriations process could wrap up before Oct. 8, representing a departure from previous declarations.

"The way it looks now, we can't get back to appropriations before we leave on the 8th," Stevens said.

He said he has spoken with Appropriations ranking member Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., about the importance of completing an omnibus bill when they return in November for a lame duck session.

"We're working together now and trying to be ready when we get back on the 16th," he said. The continuing resolution expires Nov. 20.

Stevens said the fiscal 2005 Homeland Security measure would be completed by the end of next week with its accompanying package of supplemental aid for hurricanes and other disasters. He backtracked from a previous proposal to drop drought aid added to the Senate version by farm state senators, arguing now that some drought assistance will have to be included, although offset with spending reductions to appease the White House and House GOP leaders.

Stevens said the drought package might be scaled down from the $3 billion backed by farm groups and their Senate backers to account for "where there is a current disaster based on prolonged drought," and that some such areas have already been identified.

Also, Stevens said he is working with House Appropriations Chairman Bill Young, R-Fla., to increase the president's $10.2 billion request for hurricane-related disaster aid by "less than $1 billion" to account for floods, tornados, earthquakes and other disasters that have taken place in the last 18 months.

Stevens also said the structure of the Appropriations subcommittees may be reorganized in light of the debate on who should oversee budgets for intelligence programs.