U.S.Senate Debates Bill Containing $390 Million for LSC in '08

LSC to Operate at FY 2007 Funding Levels through mid-November

On October 4, the U.S. Senate began debating the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies appropriations bill (HR 3093) for fiscal year (FY) 2008. The bill contains $390 million for LSC, $41.4 million more than LSC received in 2007.

An amendment to the bill sponsored by Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., would allow LSC-funded legal services programs to provide legal assistance to "H2B" workers--temporary foreign workers employed in the forestry industry--in matters directly related to their employment. LSC-funded programs are currently prohibited from serving H2B workers. This amendment has not yet been acted on. The Senate is scheduled to resume consideration of the bill on October 15.

The U.S. House previously approved $377 million for LSC's FY 2008 appropriation. If the amounts passed by the House and Senate differ, they will have to meet in conference and agree on a final figure.

LSC will operate at FY 2007 funding levels through November 16, according to a continuing appropriations resolution passed by Congress and signed by President Bush on September 29. None of the Federal government's 12 spending bills for FY 2008 had been enacted when the fiscal year officially started on October 1. If any spending bills remain to be approved by November 16, Congress will need to pass another continuing resolution.