Senate Looks To Finish Energy Bill This Week

"After two months of talks to clear out roadblocks, Senate leaders are looking to wrap up the bipartisan energy bill (S. 2012) this week.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who wrote the bill with ranking member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), said last week the exact timing is up to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

'We're ready to go as soon as the leader gives us the word,' she told reporters Thursday, one day after the surprise deal came together setting up a series of amendment votes and final passage.

The breakthrough followed Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow's decision to lift her hold backed by fellow Michigan Democratic Sen. Gary Peters; the pair have been angling to use the bill as a vehicle for steering aid to the residents of Flint, Mich. They say they have a new vehicle in mind."

Geof Koss reports for E&E Daily April 18, 2016.