Democrats propose counter bill containing provisions for energy and environmental policies within Continuing Resolution
In a move aimed at extending government funding and pushing back against the Trump administration's funding freezes, Congressional Democrats have unveiled a new bill. This proposal, less than two days ahead of a planned House vote on a Republican-drafted version, includes a range of provisions.
One significant addition is an extension by one year of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's authorities to "accept contributions for environmental and technical work." The bill also imposes new guardrails on the White House to prevent the Trump administration from rescinding congressionally approved funds via so-called pocket rescissions.
Agencies such as NOAA and the Department of Energy are intended to maintain funding levels for certain programs. The bill extends existing authorities for alternative-fuel vehicles, like electric vehicles, to use high-occupancy vehicle lanes.
The Democrats' Continuing Resolution (CR) also includes sections that would give NASA, NOAA, and the National Science Foundation more flexibility to spend or award certain funds, including for maintaining facilities and scientific awards. Notably, the bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to meet legal obligations to complete the hot commissioning facility at the Hanford nuclear cleanup site in Washington.
The Democratic CR also includes a number of Democratic riders that party leaders say are must-haves in order to get their vote. However, Republican leaders have signaled they would reject the Democratic counteroffer, leaving Congress at an impasse with less than two weeks to go before the Oct. 1 funding deadline.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expects the House to vote on the Republican bill before the end of the week. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) hopes to reach bipartisan compromise on the Agriculture, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs fiscal 2026 appropriations bills by the end of the month.
The Democrats' CR is shorter than the Republicans' bill, proposing to keep federal agencies and programs running through Oct. 31 instead of Nov. 21. The bill extends seemingly minor provisions that expire at month's end, like a program for states allowing electric vehicles to travel in high-occupancy vehicle lanes.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, the search results do not provide information on the names or party affiliations of the congressional representatives involved in the negotiations on the development of the democratic funding request.
The partisan divide over the funding bill has led to criticism from both sides. Republicans have criticized the Democrats for rejecting their ostensibly nonpartisan proposal, while Democrats argue that the Republican bill fails to address their concerns about the Trump administration's funding freezes.
As the funding deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether Congress will be able to reach a bipartisan agreement or if a government shutdown will occur.
Read also:
- Catastrophe at a U.S. Steel facility in Pennsylvania results in the loss of two lives. crucial details unveiled
- Manipulating Sympathy: Exploiting Victimhood for Personal Gain
- Prices remain a concern for the Germans
- Auto Industry Updates: Geotab, C2A, Deloitte, NOVOSENSE, Soracom, and Panasonic in Focus
