Congress Shelves Security Plans Until Appropriations Bill Passes

img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>WASHINGTON — Several new programs aimed at improving transport security, including $27 million for enhanced trucking security, probably will remain unfunded at long as the 2003 transportation appropriations bill is stalled in Congress, members of Congress and government spokesmen said.

Legislators even disagreed on how much money to put in a temporary spending measure, or continuing resolution.

With Congress prepared to leave this week for campaigning prior to the Nov. 5 elections and 13 appropriation bills left unfinished, House Appropriations Committee Chairman C.W. “Bill” Young (R-Fla.) gave approval to a $31.8 billion temporary spending plan through Nov. 22.