The House continues for a second day its consideration of a Continuing Resolution (H.R. 1) to fund the federal government through September. If approved by week’s end, the measure will be sent to the Senate for consideration the week of Feb. 28. The current CR expires on March 4.
House lawmakers have been debating and considering amendments to the 359-page measure. Nearly 600 amendments were filed on the spending bill, though not all will be offered or considered. Lawmakers have considered about 31 amendments so far.
Earlier today, the House approved the rules for debate for considering HR 514, a proposed 90-day extension of several expiring provisions in the USA PATRIOT Act. The Senate passed the bill Tuesday evening, sending it back to the House for approval. The House is expected to consider the amended bill on Thursday.
The expiring provisions in the bill would allow the federal government to seek orders from a special federal court for “any tangible thing” such as business records; to obtain roving wiretaps on suspected terrorists; and to request surveillance orders on “lone wolf” terrorists who may not be connected to any specific organization.