Legislator hopes for breakthrough on authorization bill
Negotiations stalled over amendments offered by Democrats.
House Homeland Security Chairman Chris Cox, R-Calif., is hoping negotiations on two homeland security bills will yield progress this week, before Congress begins its summer break.
Cox delayed the panel's markup Monday of its first authorization measure after Democrats objected to procedural strategy.
"No decision has been made yet, but resuming the markup on Thursday remains a distinct possibility," Cox's senior adviser said Tuesday. "We are continuing to negotiate with the minority on a wide range of issues."
Democrats cried foul Monday over Cox's plan to mark up each title of the overall authorization measure, because they argued it would have rendered most of their 60 or more amendments out of order. They insisted the panel vote up or down on their amendments. Cox said Tuesday he had delayed the markup to "take more time" to reach a procedural deal.
Cox also said Tuesday a separate measure to revamp the federal funding grant process for first responders could come to the House floor this week, if lawmakers agree to bring up the bill under suspension of the rules. The procedural strategy would limit debate and prevent legislators from offering amendments to the measure.