Budget resolution facing 'numerous problems,' Conrad says

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) said progress of this year's budget resolution faces "numerous problems," namely House members' ambivalence and the lack of floor time in the upper chamber.

House Democrats have yet to decide whether to move forward on the budget resolution, Conrad noted.

If the House decides not to move forward with a budget, Conrad said the Senate likely wouldn't act on the annual resolution, which sets discretionary spending levels for next year and lays out the majority's fiscal policies for the next few years.

"I don't think it would make any sense to do it if we can't have one," he said. "That applies to both chambers." 

"I'm still hopeful the House will, and I hope we'll get finished with this bill, so that will supply us with floor time," he added.

House Democratic leaders have held talks with fiscally conservative Blue Dog members to find ways to reduce deficits expected to surpass $1 trillion this year and in 2011.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said on the House floor last week that a budget would be brought up when it's ready.

Another "complicating factor" for the resolution is the crowded legislative agenda, Conrad told reporters. The Senate is on its third week of debate on a financial regulation reform bill. Democrats are also looking to pass before the end of the month an Afghanistan war funding bill and extensions of unemployment aid and expiring tax provisions. 

A budget proposal written by Conrad was reported out of his committee last month. Senate leaders have yet to indicate when the resolution could hit the floor.