GOP makes new compromise offer on stalled Homeland Security Department bill

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Republicans sought to revive the stalled Homeland Security Department bill with a compromise yesterday that said it would still give President Bush the management powers he wants. Democrats quickly rejected it.

Bush told Hispanic leaders that a Democratic version would limit powers dating to President Kennedy that allow a president to waive union agreements for federal employees for reasons of national security. The latest GOP offer preserves most of that power. Democrats say it tramples labor rights.

"I will not accept a rollback in the authority that other presidents have had, and the Senate must understand that," Bush said.

House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., matched Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle's pledge to keep Congress in session until a homeland security bill passes. That also buys time to resolve a budget impasse.

Yesterday Congress approved a temporary spending bill to keep the government operating another week. The step was needed because lawmakers have not passed any of the bills necessary for the budget year that began Tuesday.

Lawmakers had hoped to adjourn by Oct. 11 to campaign full time for the Nov. 5 elections; now, that is in doubt.

"It's very tough for us not to have that bill and go home," Hastert said.