The Senate on Thursday voted 86-3 to approve a $91.3 billion fiscal year 2009 supplemental war appropriations bill (HR 2346) that includes $1.5 billion for influenza pandemic preparedness, the AP/Detroit Free Press reports (Taylor, AP/Detroit Free Press, 5/21). The House already has approved a $96.7 billion version of the measure (H Res 434) (Sanchez, CongressDaily, 5/22). A conference committee to reconcile the two bills will not meet until after lawmakers return from the Memorial Day recess (Stanton/Dennis, Roll Call, 5/21). Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said, "There are very few things that need to be worked out in conference" before the measure is passed (CongressDaily, 5/22).