Emergency Spending Request Could Be In Trouble

As was reported in Clinton Reneges on Spending Bill President Clinton has requested some $2.5 billion in an emergency supplemental spending bill that would provide emergency aid to Isreal and the Middle East, countries affected by the Asain financial crisis, and victims of hurricane Mitch.

However, in a letter sent to the President from House Speaker-designate Robert Livingston (R-LA), and new chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, C.W. Bill Young, (R-FL), the Administration would have trouble getting anything more that the $233 million provided specifically for the hurricane victims.

According to the letter: "Since the Congress must approve these requests, we find ourselves grappling to understand just how much is enough...If these truly are emergencies, we in COngress must be convinced - and that it not the case today."

Obvisously, Livingston and Young are pointing to the IMF funding portion of the bill. Last year, Congress and the White House fought over how much, and under what conditions, the U.S. would give money to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). After over 12 months of debate, the Congress finally agreed to the appropriation of $18 billion to the IMF in exchange for changes in IMF policies. Now, the Administration want another $233 million to "implement" the $18 billion agreement.

Moreover, Clinton is asking for almost $2 billion in funding for the Middle East. This also is creating a problem for the Administration. Last year, Isreal asked the U.S. the begin phasing out most of its economic aid. As the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid, Isreal recieves some $3.5 billion each year. This fiscal year, however, Isreal's aid was reduced. Now it seems the Administration want to reverse this reduction.

While Livingston and Young seem predisposed to oppose all additional finding except hurricane aid, there still is a possiblity that the entire package could pass Congress. However, the chances of this happening are lessened by the public opposition of the next House majority leader and the new Chairman of the House appropriations committee.

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