Senate Gridlock Snares War Funding, Farm Bill

by Brian Naylor, NPR

Members of Congress are on their way home for the Thanksgiving recess, with a lot of leftovers on their plate.

Democrats could not muster the 60 votes necessary to advance a bill funding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The measure would have provided $50 billion in emergency funding just as last year's money runs out — but President Bush had threatened a veto because of the conditions placed on the money.

Nor could the Senate move ahead on the farm bill.

These issues — and others — are likely to return with lawmakers in December.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, November 16, 2007