Nov 16, 2001

Democrats Force House to Delay Vote on $20 Billion Anti-Terrorism Package Until After Thanksgiving

By Alan Fram Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Democrats demanding extra spending for domestic security forced the House on Friday to delay voting on a $20 billion anti-terrorism package until after Thanksgiving.

The chamber's Republican leaders had hoped to spend Congress' weeklong holiday break celebrating passage of the anti-terror measure. Democrats plan to use the week to pressure GOP lawmakers to support adding billions of dollars to the package.

The decision by GOP leaders to set aside the bill came after Democrats threatened procedural delays that could have forced debate to drag into next week. Most lawmakers were eager to head home for the holiday.

The postponement came hours after New York Republican lawmakers reached an agreement with White House officials on an aid package to help their city rebuild from terrorist attacks.

That deal put an end to a confrontation that was pitting Republican lawmakers against President Bush, who had threatened to veto any spending that exceeded $20 billion, with House GOP leaders backing him.

New York lawmakers had been demanding an additional $9.7 billion - on top of the $20 billion - to help New York, Virginia, and other states that suffered as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Instead, New York Republicans, led by Rep. James Walsh, agreed to accept about $1.5 billion more of the $20 billion than they otherwise would have received, Walsh said.

"We were able to get the money New York needs right now," Walsh said.

White House officials have also promised the New Yorkers some additional funds for jobless workers, to be provided in separate legislation, Walsh said.

The $20 billion aid package contains money for the Pentagon, more border patrol agents, computers for the FBI, and hiring sky marshals. There are also funds for food safety, the purchase of smallpox vaccines and other bioterrorism programs, aid to local governments, unemployment assistance and other programs.

A $15 billion anti-terrorism package has gone nowhere in the Democratic-controlled Senate. Democrats attached the plan to their economic stimulus legislation, which Republicans have all but killed using procedural delays.

Congress enacted $40 billion in anti-terrorism aid three days after terrorists' hijacked planes slammed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the Pennsylvania countryside, killing several thousand people.

Bush controls half the money, while Congress must approve legislation detailing how the remaining $20 billion will be spent. The president and GOP leaders have said that amount is sufficient for now, and that any spending beyond that amount should wait until next year.

An effort to approve the additional $9.7 billion failed Wednesday night in the House Appropriations Committee, 33-31. Walsh and Rep. James Sweeney of New York were the only Republicans to support the extra funds. Several Republicans from Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey voted against it, though their states stood to gain some of the funds.

The anti-terrorism money was attached to a $318 billion defense bill for the new fiscal year.

AP-ES-11-16-01 1544EST

-- Anonymous, November 16, 2001