Usually, an omnibus appropriations bill is a last resort. This year it may be the first choice.

The Bureau of National Affairs reported on Friday, March 19, that House Appropriations Committee Chairman Young (R-FL) is floating the idea of drafting an omnibus appropriations bill for fiscal year 2005, without even trying to pass the thirteen individual appropriations bills lawmakers are supposed to. Omnibus bills have been used for the past several years as last-ditch efforts to finish the appropriations process. Those appropriations bills that could not be passed singly were combined into one large bill.

Passing the bills individually could prove even more difficult this year. Limits on appropriated funds for domestic programs (domestic discretionary) outside of homeland security are extremely tight, requiring big and unpopular cuts that are likely to be contentious. In addition, the legislative year is short, what with lots of recesses, the conventions and the Presidential election.

Appropriations for FY 2005 may be a very short process. Stay tuned.