Today in Washington D. C. - Jan 23, 2008

On The Floor: Last night the Senate voted 91-3 to pass the revised fiscal 2008 Defense authorization bill (H.R. 4986). The Senate reconvenes at noon today. Following a half hour of morning business, the Senate will recess for Democrats’ weekly policy lunch. At 2:30 PM the Senate will resume and consider the American Indian health care bill (S. 1200). Roll call vote scheduled for 6 PM. After the Indian health bill is completed, the Senate is expected to move to the FISA reform bill (S. 2248). Senate Republicans will huddle at the Library of Congress between 9 AM and 4 PM to discuss palns for 2008. After which the GOP Senate leaders will hold a press conference.

From Senate & News Sources: Republicans are looking to move forward on FISA reform legislation which would allow wiretapping of terrorist phone conversations routed through the United States. The current law authorizing such surveillance expires on February 1st, and the House will need time to consider the bill. The New York Times reports today that some Senate Democrats were interested in delaying the FISA bill after it was delayed a first time in December. Sen. Kit Bond (R-MO), Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee said, “To stall legislation needed to help our intelligence community prevent attacks and protect American lives is not only irresponsible, it’s also dangerous.”

In the House today, Democrats are not helping the recent spirit of bipartisanship by holding yet another override vote on President Bush’s last veto of the SCHIP expansion bill.

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