January 16, 2003 - 11:23 AM PST

SENATE REJECTS DEMOCRATIC EFFORT TO BOOST HOMELAND SECURITY SPENDING

(Received via e-mail from Congressional Quarterly)

The Senate today defeated, 45-51, a Democratic amendment that would have boosted homeland security spending in the fiscal 2003 appropriations omnibus by $5 billion. With more spending amendments to come, GOP leaders threatened to keep the Senate in session into the weekend to pass the bill. "We're not going to have a break next week unless we finish this bill," said Rick Santorum, R-Pa. Senate leaders are trying to write a unanimous consent agreement by tonight to limit the number of amendments, said Larry E. Craig, R-Idaho. Leaders convened the GOP caucus early this morning to urge members not to support Democratic amendments to the omnibus vehicle (H J Res 2) that would push the price tag over the White House's preferred fiscal 2003 overall spending target -- $751.3 billion. Democrats are preparing a series of amendments aimed at boosting funding levels for education programs, Amtrak and heating assistance for the poor. The Senate is expected to take up one of two education-related amendments this afternoon that could garner significant Republican support.

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