Appropriations bill ready for President

The House of Representatives reconvened today and passed, by a 381-0 vote, the resolution needed to eliminate the controversial tax return provision that has thus far delayed submission of the appropriations bill to the President for signature.

Now, the Consolidated Appropriations bill for 2005, which includes the new fee structure for the Patent and Trademark Office, is in final form and on its way to President Bush.  Signature by the President will place the new fee schedule [.pdf] in effect immediately.