Once again, Congressional Democrats are saying they are “close” to reaching an agreement on the war supplemental funding bill, and a vote could come as early as Friday. Last week it was being reported that the tentative deal had been reached, but growing opposition has made the vote surprisingly controversial.
Much of the opposition is focused on concerns about the over $100 billion in credit for the International Monetary Fund (IMF), though a provision attempting to give the Obama Administration a legal basis for refusing to release detainee abuse photos has also been an issue.
Justforeignpolicy.org is reporting that another 10 no votes from House Democrats could ultimately defeat the bill, a very real possibility with the growing momentum against it. Considering the wide margin in which the respective bills passed in the House and Senate, it is shocking that the normally simply matter of reconciling the two versions may lead to its defeat.
The growing opposition to the IMF provision is particularly surprising, as an effort to remove it gained little traction in the Senate. Proponents insist the funding is vital to national security in that propping up poorer nations is in the nation’s interest, while opponents say it amounts to a worldwide bailout with American tax dollars.