Trent Lott: “First, this situation has been caused by the fact that we don't have a budget resolution. I think that is very…”

“First, this situation has been caused by the fact that we don't have a budget resolution. I think that is very unfortunate. Ordinarily, we try to get a budget resolution by April 15 or as soon thereafter as possible. Usually we get one done by May. Here we are in June. We have not heard anything about when it might come up. Apparently it never will. That presents us problems in terms of what is the aggregate cap, what are the enforcement mechanisms that we are going to use to try to control spending, keep it within some reasonable amount. I also recognize without these caps, some orderly disposition to the subcommittees, it is going be very difficult to hold the line when these various appropriations bills come to the floor. I don't know when that might be. We need to get going on the appropriations bills. Usually in June we do anywhere between two and five appropriations bills. Then in July we usually do anywhere between, I guess, five and as many as nine. Right now I see none anywhere in sight.”