Senate panel could mark up fiscal 2011 budget Wednesday

The Senate Budget Committee is likely to mark up President Barack Obama’s fiscal 2011 budget request on Wednesday. 

House leaders have said it is possible that the Senate could produce a budget if the House doesn’t act. The House normally takes the lead in matters of budget and approrpriations. If the House doesn’t adopt a budget resolution, it would be the first time since the 1974 enactment of the Budget Act that a budget resolution hasn’t originated in the House. 

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) have said they want to pass a budget resolution. But leaders are trying to determine how many members will defect over a budget that adheres to the president’s proposed freeze non-defense discretionary spending, one that increases spending or one that calls for cuts in spending. 

This story is developing …