House Begins Debate On Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill; President Bush Threatens Veto

The House on Tuesday began debate on a $607 billion fiscal year 2008 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill (HR 3403), and the White House said that President Bush would veto the legislation, CQ Today reports. The bill includes $151.5 billion in discretionary spending, about a $7 billion increase from FY 2007 and $10.6 billion more than Bush requested (Wayne, CQ Today, 7/17).

The legislation would increase spending on health care for the uninsured by 9% from FY 2007. Under the bill, spending for community health centers would increase by 10% from FY 2007 to $2.2 billion. The legislation also would provide $1.1 billion to prepare for a potential avian flu pandemic (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 7/12).

The White House on Tuesday in a statement said that Bush would veto the bill because of the cost, adding that the legislation "includes an irresponsible and excessive level of spending and ... other objectionable provisions," such as a measure to ban the use of childhood flu vaccines that contain thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative (CQ Today, 7/17).

Food, Rx Drug Safety
In other budget news, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies on Tuesday by voice vote approved a draft FY 2008 agriculture appropriations bill that significantly would increase spending on food and prescription drug safety, CQ Today reports. The legislation, which includes $18.7 billion in discretionary spending and about $72.6 billion in mandatory spending, would provide $1.75 billion to FDA to improve food and prescription drug safety oversight, a $186 million increase from FY 2007.

Under the bill, FDA would receive an additional $48 million to improve food safety oversight, with $11 million to establish a rapid response team to address food contamination outbreaks. The legislation would require FDA to report to the subcommittee on spending of the funds. In addition, the bill would provide $38 million for the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the USDA division responsible for inspection of meat and poultry products. The legislation also would provide $33.2 million more than Bush requested for prescription drug safety (Richert, CQ Today, 7/17).

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