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FY11 Appropriations Come to a Halt

Yesterday evening, Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) decided to pull the FY11 omnibus appropriations package from the Senate schedule.The move came after several committed “aye” votes decided that they could no longer support the legislation due to concerns about the overall cost and presence of earmarks. The next step in the FY11 process will likely be a 3rd short-term continuing resolution that keeps the government running at FY10 levels until February and leaves spending decisions to the new Congress.

It is expected that there will be even less support for an omnibus appropriations bill in the new Congress, which potentially sets the stage for a year-long continuing resolution or funding at even lower levels if the new House majority is successful in their push to roll back spending to FY08 levelsĀ  -an idea opposed by the Senate leadership and President Obama. Additional details will be provided as they become available.