GOP Senators Push To Pass Spending Bill

[pinto]

By Helen Dewar
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, January 16, 2004; Page A17


Senate Republicans are cranking up pressure for swift passage of a long-overdue $328 billion government spending bill by warning wavering lawmakers that they could lose thousands of home-state projects and face a freeze on expenditures if they block passage of the measure.


Democrats, angry over GOP inclusion of controversial policy provisions, blocked passage of the measure just before Congress adjourned last year, and Republicans scheduled a showdown vote for Tuesday, the opening day of the new session. If Democrats continue to try to block the bill, 60 votes would be required for passage, and both sides say they expect it to be close.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21093-2004Jan15.html