The Senate was in session this week while the House of Representatives was in recess for a district work period.

 

The Senate tried to move forward with an energy bill (S. 2012) that has been held up because of disagreements over potential amendments, including one that would address the current drinking water emergency in Flint, Michigan. While regional lawmakers continue to push the inclusion of federal aid to replace the lead tainted pipes in Flint and other communities, some legislators remain in opposition to the package due to its price tag. Another potential hiccup for the energy bill's passage is an amendment from Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) that would raise the cap for funds directed to the states whose coasts support offshore drilling in federal waters. Cassidy maintains that these funds that states receive from federal revenues are still badly needed, despite a slowdown in oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico. In Cassidy's home state, the funds are used to combat land loss by restoring coastal wetlands, especially near the mouth of the Mississippi River. But despite bipartisan support for the amendment, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) has vowed that he will not allow it to proceed, citing fears that it could potentially lead to drilling off the coast of Florida.

 

On Tuesday, the Senate Commerce, Transportation, and Science Committee Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee held a hearing focused on the federal role with the U.S. maritime industry. More information from that hearing can be found here. On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing focused on state perspectives of EPA regulatory actions and the role of states as co-regulators. Statements and testimony from that hearing can be found here. The Environment and Public Works Committee will also hold a hearing on reauthorizing the Water Resources Development Act next week on Wednesday, March 16th.