Energy and Climate Debate -

Energy and climate issues will garner substantial attention between now and the August recess, and congressional, Administration, and international efforts will remain high through the end of the year.

After a weekend littered with votes on the measure, the Senate will continue work this week on its multiyear transportation bill (H.R. 22), with the Senate voting July 27 to limit debate on its bipartisan proposal, setting the stage for a final vote later this week, likely Wednesday or Thursday. The House has already passed a five-month, $8.1 billion stopgap highway bill (H.R. 3038), and chamber leaders are at odds with less than a week to go before highway funding authority expires July 31. While the Senate addresses the highway bill, the House will consider the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2015 (H.R. 427), which would require major legislation with an annual economic impact of $100 million or more to obtain congressional approval before it could take effect. The measure could delay or halt several planned Environmental Protection Agency rules. The White House reiterated July 27 a threat to veto the measure. The House will adjourn at the end of the week until after Labor Day, while the Senate is still scheduled to be in session through next week.