Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Eugene

(62,736 posts)
Tue Jun 12, 2018, 11:32 AM Jun 2018

Senate GOP drops 'poison pills' from key spending bill

Source: Associated Press

Senate GOP drops ‘poison pills’ from key spending bill

By ANDREW TAYLOR
26 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans are ridding a key spending bill of controversial environmental provisions opposed by Democrats in an attempt to avoid the annual year-end budget pileup.

Tuesday’s move by Sen. Lisa Murkowski extends an olive branch to Democrats and could allow the first floor debate on a key spending bill for the Interior Department and the Environmental Protection Agency since former President Barack Obama’s first year in office. It’s all part of an effort to avoid a catchall “omnibus” spending bill.

President Donald Trump has signed two such mega-bills since taking office but has vowed he won’t do it again.

Republicans dropped a policy provision from previous years, for instance, that would have weakened a new government rule limiting methane waste from gas and oil drilling on public lands. It’s one of several “riders” opposed by Democrats and environmental groups that have been included in the measure in past years, only to get stripped-out in end-stage negotiations.

By avoiding the fight now, Senate Republicans are speeding up debate on the measure and winning panel approval for the measure for the first time since 2009.

-snip-


Read more: https://apnews.com/b8578edc5dd04b53b9f0d6db1b68f1cb/Senate-GOP-drops-'poison-pills'-from-key-spending-bill
Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Congress»Senate GOP drops 'poison ...