In December 21, the Senate narrowly passed a budget reconciliation bill (S. 1932) by a vote of 51-50, with Vice President Dick Cheney casting the tiebreaking vote. The $39.7 billion budget savings package includes provisions that set a February 17, 2009, dead­line for the nation’s digital television transi­tion. But the Senate slightly altered the budget bill, so it must return to the House for a final vote. The House will take up the bill after it re­convenes January 31.