Lawmakers (agree to ) OK Spending Bill, Food Measure

[papau]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-3420580,00.html

Lawmakers OK Spending Bill, Food Measure
http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGACA0Q9CND.html

Spending Bill Bargainers Agree to Delay Meat Labeling Rules

Sunday November 23, 2003 1:31 AM
By ALAN FRAM Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Bargainers tying down the last details of a mammoth $390 billion spending bill agreed to block labels identifying which country food products come from for the next two years, lawmakers and aides said Saturday.

They also hammered out a compromise that could let California - but no other states - impose air pollution requirements on lawnmowers and other small engines that are tougher than federal standards. <snip>

The huge bill combines the seven remaining measures, and its price tag totals more than one-sixth of the entire federal budget. It will finance 11 Cabinet-level departments and scores of other agencies, ranging from the Justice Department to highway construction, from foreign aid to NASA.

The Senate might vote on the spending bill as early as next week, but the House will not conduct votes until early December. <snip>

Also Saturday: ...-Frist said he may add language temporarily extending a ban on taxing Internet access to the spending bill.
-Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said he would block the Senate from considering a bill renewing several expiring taxes unless it also extends unemployment benefits due to run out in January.

[mbperrin]

1. Don't gotta extend unemployment benefits for January!

Golleee, Bush is sure to create 3 million jobs by then what with this economy on fire and all!

(Or is that just my ass burning?)