How Much is Too Much? White House and Congress Square Off on Spending

Do you know how much the Iraq war costs? What about Hurricane Katrina relief? Did you know that much of the money for these efforts is not included in the budget, but funded through an emergency measure that supplements the budget?

On Thursday, May 4, 2006, the Senate passed its version of the emergency supplemental bill. At $108.9 billion, it soars above President Bush’s original request of $94.5 billion.

Senate sees more of an emergency

The Senate voted 77-21 to approve the spending measure, with no Democrats voting against and most Republicans voting for it.

Republicans who voted against the supplemental felt it was far too expensive; the Appropriations Committee members who voted ‘no’ were Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, Wayne Allard of Colorado, and Larry E. Craig of Idaho.

The bill will put the Senate at odds with the House of Representatives, which refuses to spend more than President Bush requested. The two houses of Congress will have to work out their differences in a conference committee, and both chambers agree that it will be a difficult negotiation.

The House has yet to decide who will go to the conference, and all Senate appropriators will attend.

Will President Bush Veto?

On May 5, 2006, President Bush reiterated his promise to veto any supplemental that exceeds the $95.4 billion he requested. Specifically, he asked for $92.2 billion for the war in Iraq and $2.3 billion to prepare for a bird flu pandemic.

Republican appropriators in the House and Senate believe that Bush will stick to his word, while Senate Appropriations Chairman Thad Cochran (R- Mississippi) hopes that there will be some negotiating room with the White House.

Funds for troops are anticipated to run out by the end of May, which could make a veto difficult.

What’s costing more?

The Senate bill is made up of $65.7 billion for war operations, $28.9 billion for hurricane relief for all states affected, $4 billion for levees, $4 billion in farm disaster aid, $1 billion in state grants, $1.1 billion in aid to the Gulf Coast seafood industry, and more.

Total costs

The supplemental brings total war spending to about $430 billion, and Katrina relief to about $96 billion, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Many criticize the budget and supplemental process, saying Iraq and Katrina relief are not longer "emergencies." Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington explains that supplemental bills are necessary and large when the basic budget is far too small. With a tight budget, she explains, critical domestic issues must be dealt with through emergency channels.

What do you think?

Do you think President Bush should veto the emergency supplemental if it’s more expensive than his initial request? How much is too much? For you is this a money question or a priority question? What argument would you use if you were at the conference table?

Your input matters

Your representatives DO care what you think. Especially now -- 2006 is an election year and many representatives will be looking to reconnect with their constituents. Let your congressmen and women know what you think! Give your senators a piece of your mind! To find your reps, click here.

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Article Posted on: 5/8/2006