Area Senators Say Homeland Security Bill Unlikely
WASHINGTON, Oct. 02–Echoing the concerns of Senate leaders, area senators say passage of a homeland security bill before the November elections is less likely as each day passes
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The Senate has been debating the bill to establish a Department of Homeland Security for more than four weeks, but has recently been stuck in a virtual stalemate over an amendment on union protections for federal workers.
Area senators said the bill might be set aside soon so the Senate can focus on other issues, including a resolution to use force against Iraq and the passage of a federal budget.
“The likelihood of the Senate passing Department of Homeland Security legislation looks dim, given the Iraq resolution debate that will take place and the appropriations bill that must be passed before Oct. 11,” Sen. Bob Smith, R-N.H., said in an e-mail interview.
The Senate traditionally adjourns in early October in election years to allow candidates to campaign. Senate leaders have indicated Oct. 11 would be the adjournment date, leaving just over a week to pass a budget and debate the Iraq resolution.
“It’s too early to write the obituary for the homeland security bill now,” said Dave Lackey, spokesman for Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine. But he acknowledged that passage of such a bill before the November elections is unlikely in light of the current gridlock.
A spokeswoman for Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, expressed similar thoughts. “The outlook right now looks like we won’t get anything until after the election,” Collins spokeswoman Felicia Knight said. “But I think there’s always hope for progress as long as people continue to talk.”
A spokesman for Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., didn’t return repeated phone calls.
The proposed Department of Homeland Security would represent the largest restructuring of a government department in more than 50 years, with an estimated 170,000 employees and a $40 billion budget.
Smith said delaying the creation of the new department would be a mistake. “Any delay in passing legislation…is harmful since it will prevent the U.S. government from organizing and implementing the necessary infrastructure and policies to prevent further acts of terrorism,” Smith said.
While none of the politicians wanted to cast blame, Knight said such gridlock often accompanies election-year congressional sessions. “That is an unfortunate byproduct of an election year, especially in such a closely divided Senate,” she said.
The Senate is divided over a provision that would restrict President Bush’s ability to remove union protections for federal employees. Senate Republicans say such flexibility is vital if the president is to adequately defend national security.
Lackey said Snowe, a moderate Republican, is frustrated that the two sides can’t find a compromise. “This is an issue that senators should have been able to work out,” he said. “They’re looking for a bridge that would allow the president to maintain his authority while protecting workers’ rights. That’s been an elusive search.”
The Maine senators expressed a desire to work beyond the likely Oct. 11 adjournment date if necessary to take care of unfinished business.
“The Senate has an obligation to finish its work even if that means staying in session until Election Day,” Snowe’s spokesman Lackey said. “The fact is time is running short. Senator Snowe believes they should be staying in nights and weekends until this gets done.”
Collins’s spokeswoman Knight agreed. “She’s always wiling to stay and do the job.”
A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., said a decision to extend the Oct. 11 deadline or to work extended hours is still up in the air. “It’s possible, but nothing has been agreed to,” Daschle spokesman Ranit Schmelzer said.
Though Lackey said things don’t look good now, he retains hope that this Congress will pass a homeland security bill. “Nothing’s over ’til it’s over,” he said.
Published in Foster’s Daily Democrat, in New Hampshire.
