In case my readers are interested in just what this bill contains.
Highlights of a Senate bill passed Thursday to pay for military and diplomatic operations in Iraq and Afghanistan into next spring. Key provisions would:
_Provide $165 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for the rest of this year and several months into 2009, when there is a new president.
_Extend unemployment benefits for workers whose benefits have run out. The extension would cover up to 13 weeks nationwide and an additional 13 weeks in states with unemployment rates of 6 percent or greater, including Michigan, Alaska and California. The cost is estimated at $11.1 billion over 10 years.
_Expand education for active-duty members of the armed forces since Sept. 11, 2001. Under a formula related to years of service, the measure aims to provide the equivalent of a four-year education at a state university. The cost is estimated at $51.6 billion over the next decade.
_Block new Bush administration regulations that would cut federal spending on Medicaid health care for the poor and disabled by $13 billion over the next five years.
_Provide $8.7 billion in foreign aid and international food assistance over 2008-2009, including $450 million for Mexico to combat drug trafficking, $100 million below the administration’s request.
_Provide $5.8 billion to strengthen New Orleans levees, as requested by the administration, plus $3.1 billion to help Louisiana “match” federal contributions, and $1 billion for Mississippi coastal protection.
_Provide $3.1 billion for military base construction and base closure accounts.
_Provide $1.2 billion for science and health programs, including $200 million for NASA, $200 million for the National Science Foundation to bolster U.S. competitiveness, and $400 million for the National Institutes of Health.
_Provide $400 million for rural schools.
_Provide $451 million to rebuild roads and bridges damaged by natural disasters.
_Provide $490 million in anti-crime grants to states and local governments.
_Provide $437 million for trauma centers for veterans to help their recovery from war-related injuries, especially traumatic brain injury.
Just take a look at the earmarks that were added onto the bill–does that seem right to you?