June 7, 1999

Republican leaders will seek to quell discontent within their own ranks long enough to pass crucial spending bills when Congress returns to work today. A report from THE ASSOCIATED PRESS says the Clinton Administration will offer the Republicans little help. "We think they should go back to the drawing board and figure out what they want," White House Chief of Staff John Podesta said Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation." Before the Memorial Day recess, House GOP leaders had to set aside the agriculture spending bill and a measure authorizing defense spending because of mini-rebellions within the party.

Rep. Tom Coburn (R-OK), who tied up the USDA funding bill with serial amendments to cut specific line items, continued to threaten up to 80 additional amendments, CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY reported. CQ said little progress was apparently made over the break in resolving the fight over spending caps.

Congress does not yet face a funding crisis – the bills being debated apply to next fiscal year, beginning October 1 – which may make it harder for GOP leaders to dissuade their restive troops from freelance operations like the ones that tied up the agricultural bill. ROLL CALL cites stepped-up grumbling among Republicans about what some see as their leadership's lack of clear direction. The article says Speaker Dennis Haster (R-IL) continues to enjoy strong support, though.