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Labor Appropriations Bill Headed for an Early Vote

On June 25, the House Appropriations Committee passed the FY 2004 appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services.

Job Corps received $1.541 billion, a $24 million increase over the prior year.

In the version that passed the Senate committee on the following day, funding for Job Corps was set at the House-recommended level.

For the Department of Labor’s Responsible Reintegration for Youthful Offenders program, which includes funds for Project CRAFT's pilot program in Nashville, the Senate provided level funding at $54 million. However, the House concurred with a request by the Administration to discontinue funding for the program.

Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Rep. Ralph Regula (R-OH), chairmen of the Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, have tentatively agreed to conclude work on the bill early in the appropriations process. Floor activity on the measure is expected to take place before the Congress adjourns for its month-long August recess.

Additional momentum for consideration of the bill this month has come from Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN).

The House passed its version of the appropriations bill on July 10, H.R. 2660, and the Senate is now expected to take up its legislation during the week of July 21.

For additional information on the Labor appropriations process, e-mail Jenna Morgan at NAHB or call her at 800-368-5242 x8407.

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