By Rob Margetta, CQ Staff

Washington
,
Sep 8, 2009
 –
Although debate over the fiscal 2010 homeland spending bills has lacked partisan disagreement, the following year’s bill could be more problematic, Verdery and Cooper said.

“I think the bipartisan nature of homeland issues will stand until immigration reform comes around, and there are disagreements about enforcement and the other ways it affects the department,” Verdery said.

Since the Obama administration seems to be pushing for an immigration overhaul sooner rather than later, it seems likely the debate will be on the table in time for next year’s bill, Verdery said.

Cooper said the timing of the fiscal 2011 bill, just before the 2010 midterm elections, would impact the level of disagreement over homeland grant distribution.

“You’ll see more of a food-fight next year,” he said.

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