Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA) filed an amendment early last week to strip out the 24 riders, but it failed on a 29-19 vote. He then offered an amendment to remove the bill’s provision to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from implementing greenhouse gas regulations for power plants, but that failed also.

With just two weeks to go before the August recess, the Senate will try to make progress on a short-term highway funding bill that would replenish funds for highway and mass-transit projects through next May. The House plans floor action on a series of education measures. Issues that may also garner congressional attention between now and the end of the month include a conference negotiation on a provision (H.R. 3230) to reduce waiting times for veterans in need of medical care; the influx of Central American children crossing the United States-Mexico border; various tax issues; and additional appropriations negotiations. Committee work on energy issues this week is outlined below.