Budget resolution facing ‘numerous problems,’ Conrad says

House Democratic leaders have held talks with fiscally conservative Blue Dog members to find ways to reduce deficits expected to surpass $1 trillion this year and in 2011.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said on the House floor last week that a budget would be brought up when it’s ready.

Another “complicating factor” for the resolution is the crowded legislative agenda, Conrad told reporters. The Senate is on its third week of debate on a financial regulation reform bill. Democrats are also looking to pass before the end of the month an Afghanistan war funding bill and extensions of unemployment aid and expiring tax provisions. 

A budget proposal written by Conrad was reported out of his committee last month. Senate leaders have yet to indicate when the resolution could hit the floor.