RL34451
Second FY2008 Supplemental Appropriations for Military Operations, International Affairs, and Other Purposes
May 30, 2008

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Summary:

On Thursday, May 22, 2008, the Senate approved an amended version of H.R. 2642, a bill providing $212.2 billion in supplemental appropriations for FY2008 and FY2009. The measure includes $169.1 billion for military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, $9.9 billion for international affairs programs, and $33.1 billion for domestic programs, of which $15.6 billion is for extended unemployment compensation. The bill also expands veterans' educational benefits at an estimated cost of $52 billion over the next ten years, delays Medicaid regulations that would reduce payments to states, and limits Medicare payments to new specialty hospitals. The Senate approved these measures as amendments to H.R. 2642, which the House had used a week earlier as a vehicle for supplemental funding. On key roll calls, all of which required 60 votes for approval, the Senate rejected by a vote of 3463 an amendment to the House bill to provide funding for defense programs and to establish Iraq-related policis; approved by 75-22 an amendment providing defense funding without policy restrictions; and approved by 70-26 an amendment providing funds for domestic, international affairs, and military construction programs. A week earlier, on Thursday, May 15, by a vote of 141-149 with 132 voting "present," the House rejected an amendment to H.R. 2642 providing $162.5 billion in FY2008 and FY2009 supplemental appropriations for military operations. The House agreed, however, to one amendment, adopted by a vote of 227-196, that sets out Iraq-related policies, including a requirement that combat forces be withdrawn from Iraq within 18 months. Another amendment, agreed to by a vote of 256-166, provides expanded GI bill educational benefits, offset by a tax surcharge, extends unemployment compensation, delays new Medicaid regulations, and provides $9.9 billion for international affairs programs, $4.6 billion for military construction, and $24.5 billion for domestic programs. It is expected that the House will take up the Senate-passed version of the bill after Congress returns from the Memorial Day recess. The Defense Department has warned that Army personnel funds would run out by the middle of June without supplemental funding, but officials recently announced a request to transfer funds to the Army sufficient to continue through the end of July. DOD could also use the Feed and Forage Act to extend operations. During its first session, the 110th Congress approved FY2008 emergency supplemental appropriations of $86.8 billion for the Department of Defense and $2.4 billion for international affairs, mainly for activities related to military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Congress left unresolved, however, Administration requests for $102.5 billion for defense and $5.4 billion for international affairs. For congressional action on FY2008 supplemental funding provided through December 2007, see CRS Report RL34278, FY2008 Supplemental Appropriations for Global War on Terror Military Operations, International Affairs, and Other Purposes, which will not be updated further. This CRS report will review congressional action on remaining FY2008 and additional FY2009 supplemental funding. It will be updated regularly.