Spending Bill For Military Is Ripe For the Stuffing

By Shailagh Murray
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, April 11, 2005; Page A17

There's nothing more tempting in Congress than a must-pass bill.

The Senate this week takes up emergency spending legislation to keep military funds flowing to Iraq and Afghanistan. Because it's a bill for the troops, it is certain to end up on President Bush's desk, and that's why lawmakers will try to tack on their own pressing provisions.

The Senate Appropriations Committee last week approved an $80.6 billion package that also incorporates tsunami relief and foreign aid funding, including for Palestinians. The Senate bill is slightly smaller than the president's initial request and the version the House passed before the Easter recess.