The Senate on June 19 halted progress at least temporarily on fiscal 2015 spending bills after Republicans and Democrats were unable to agree on an amendments process to a mini-omnibus package (HR 4660) that combined three appropriations measures, including Agriculture and Transportation-HUD. Both Senate and House had been moving quickly on the 2015 spending bills. Negotiations continue but it now appears more likely that a continuing resolution will be needed to start the new fiscal year on Oct. 1.