The Senate moved an infrastructure and energy permitting bill closer to passage Tuesday night, approving another procedural step as lawmakers continued to seek changes to the legislation. The proposal aims to accelerate construction of energy and other projects while limiting environmental challenges, bringing together competing Democratic and Republican priorities.
Senators voted 62-21 to advance the measure on November 10, following a 73-25 procedural vote a day earlier. The latest result showed that the bill retained enough support to move forward at this stage, despite demands for revisions from both supporters and opponents. An amendment process is expected to follow, giving the Senate an opportunity to consider changes before the legislation reaches the end of its path through the chamber.
Among the issues drawing attention is the bill's treatment of the National Historic Preservation Act. Several Democrats have sought adjustments to that language after a number of tribes complained that the proposal would leave them without adequate input. Those concerns remain part of the debate as senators prepare to consider amendments to the broader permitting package.
The legislation reflects a compromise between Democrats seeking greater renewable energy development and Republicans pushing for more fossil fuel projects. Republicans also generally favor reducing environmental regulations to support economic growth. Those differing priorities underpin the agreement, even as lawmakers continue to press for changes to its provisions.
The White House supports the bill, although President Trump said Monday that he would not approve any wind projects. He also indicated that negotiations over the legislation were continuing. His comments accompanied the administration's backing for a proposal intended to advance energy development while accommodating the differing goals of the two parties.
Questions also remain about provisions intended to expand electric transmission. House Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie, a Kentucky Republican, told Politico on Tuesday that he wanted to revise that portion of the bill. The transmission provisions, however, could be important to maintaining Democratic support for the package.
The Senate's procedural progress leaves the legislation's ultimate outcome unresolved. Progressive Democrats in the House have pledged to oppose it, adding another obstacle beyond the Senate's remaining work. Absences following the midterm elections are a further significant uncertainty as the permitting overhaul moves closer to a possible Senate finish.
