As the Senate finishes up a few important matters before the August recess, including a Cash-for-Clunkers vote, it's time to take a look at what else is going on in regular Senate business.  Unfortunately, the Senate is behind schedule, and it remains unlikely that all appropriations bills will be resolved prior to the start of the new fiscal year on Oct 1.

Of the twelve bills, four have been passed by the full Senate, seven more have been marked up by their respective subcommittees and voted on by the Appropriations Committee while the Defense spending bill still needs to be marked up.  If Senate is not able to get through the remaining bills in a timely manner, then the Senate will have to employ a continuing resolution and potentially an omnibus spending bill.  While congressional leaders tend to try and avoid omnibus spending bills, it's clear that this year's environment and health care-related legislation are tying up a lot of of Congress' attention and resources.

In the meanwhile, the four bills that were already approved (Agriculture, Energy & Water, Homeland Security, Legislative Branch) by the full Senate now move to conference negotiations, where representatives from the House and Senate try to reconcile any differences between House and Senate appropriations bills.

Track appropriations bills here.

CQ($$): Senate to Take Up Appropriations Bills in September