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U.S. Sen. Robert Bennett tells Utah House federal continuing resolutions could halt new starts
Summary
Sen. Robert Bennett briefed the Utah House that a continuing resolution in Congress could keep federal spending at 2006 levels through the 2007 fiscal year, potentially cancelling proposed new starts and grants that Utah expected, and answered members' questions on CHIP reauthorization and other federal matters.
The Utah House welcomed U.S. Senator Robert Bennett on Monday for a Committee of the Whole briefing during which he warned that continuing resolutions in Congress could freeze federal funding at prior-year levels and eliminate many proposed new starts.
Bennett said the recent congressional dynamics left the federal government operating under continuing resolutions that—if extended through Sept. 30, 2007—would preserve 2006 spending levels and prevent enactment of most 2007 program increases. "All of the new starts... and the changes in programs... that were in the 2007 bills fall," Bennett said, adding that some funds he had secured for agricultural research and FDA programs could disappear without final appropriations.
Members pressed Bennett on several items, including the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) reauthorization, where Rep. Dunnegan asked whether the state might obtain waivers or flexibility; Bennett said he anticipated reauthorization and that some in the administration favor more state flexibility but he could not predict congressional action. On concerns about cross-border infrastructure and trade (the Security and Prosperity Partnership), Bennett said he was unaware of a separate initiative beyond NAFTA and suggested members seek further briefings if needed.
Bennett also noted operations in Washington change the practical ability to pass appropriations and encouraged state members to continue explaining the real-world effects of federal mandates and programs. The House returned to its regular session after dissolving the Committee of the Whole.
