Ehrlich on Washington column, March 26, 1996

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of March 26, 1996 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. BIPARTISANSHIP RETURNS TO CAPITOL HILL After months of contentious debate, the spirit of bipartisanship has returned to Capitol Hill. Last week the U. S. Senate passed an omnibus FY 96 spending bill by a vote of 79-21 . When enacted, this bill will provide funding through September 30, 1996 for programs contained in appropriations bills not yet signed by the President. Additionally, the White House and congressional leaders agreed to take final action on this and other important pieces of legislation before the end of March. Progress was also made towards achieving a long-term budget plan. For several weeks House Republicans leaders have quietly negotiated with conservative “Blue Dog” Democrats in an attempt to reach a consensus on entitlement reform. Last week members involved in the negotiations indicated that a breakthrough may be near. If such a bipartisan agreement is reached, it would remove one of the main obstacles blocking passage of a seven-year balanced budget plan. After months of partisan wrangling, I am encouraged by the newfound sense of cooperation that has settled upon the Hill. There is a sincere willingness among a majority of my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats alike, to come together and balance the budget. My Republican colleagues and I have consistently stated that any of the individual