The $388 billion omnibus appropriations bill was finally sent to President Bush for his signature after the House on Monday repealed a provision allowing Congressional staff to view anyone's tax return.

The bill consolidates funding for 13 departments and hundreds of agencies. The Bureau of Indian Affairs received $2.3 billion, the Office of Special Trustee received $232 million and the Indian Health Service received $3.0 billion.

The bill calls on the Department of Justice to provide quarterly reports on the high rates of violent crime in Indian Country. Quarterly updates are also required for casino-related crime.

The tax-return provision was the work of a House staffer on the Appropriations Committee. Some Republicans said it was misinterpreted but agreed to repeal it due to the controversy generated.

Get the Story:
Tax-Return Provision in Spending Bill Dropped (The Washington Post 12/7)
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Nuts and Bolts of Bill (The Washington Post 12/7)
Spending Bill on Way to Bush, Groundhogs and All (The New York Times 12/7)
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Funding Tables:
BIA-OST | IHS

Bill Language:
BIA | OST | IHS/IAIA/NMAI

Statements on Funding:
BIA-OST | IHS/IAIA

Consolidated Appropriations Act:
Bill Text | Joint Explanatory Statement | HR 4818

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