Washington Slept Here: the House and Senate convened a conference on H.R. 775, the Y2K liability bill, as amended by the Senate. The House finally consented to a conference, due in large part to problems created by the Senate via its amendments (amazing how this stuff happens!). The original plan was a super quick one-hour huddle, but the White House showed up in force, finally indicating a willingness to engage. A House Democrat suggested that the committee at least give them a chance to say their piece, and Utah Sen. Hatch seconded the motion. To make a long story short (got the aching back to prove it -- damn those granite floors! -- the ball is in the White House's court, i.e., they must now deliver specific suggestions, probably in the form of legislative line in/line our, per their position. If the Hill staff feels that the offer is sincere and workable (still HUGE doubts there), the staff negotiations will proceed through the weekend. The Senators and Representatives will come back Monday to evaluate progress, assuming all sides are still talking. Even so, the deadline for a deal is 9:30 a.m. EDT this coming Tuesday.
Look for Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) on the news this evening. He had some rather choice words of warning for the White House.
Your Humble On-the-Scene Reporter (ggg) |
