The GOP had hoped to hold a floor vote by late January on legislation rescinding already appropriated funds in the stimulus and other legislation, but it is now more likely that the rescission package will be folded into a measure to keep the government funded beyond March…

Emerson said part of the delay has been due to the attempted assassination of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) on Jan. 8, which led Republican leaders to postpone previously scheduled floor action for a full week.

Emerson’s subcommittee met for the first time last week to begin identifying cuts. “Obviously, we have to get our work done by March 4,” she said.