December 18, 2020 By Jim Myers
Washington, D.C. Facing several significant deadlines, congressional leaders put aside their finger-pointing to work toward a compromise on another coronavirus relief package they hope to attach to a must-pass omnibus appropriations bill to keep the government open.
“Congressional leaders on both sides are going to keep working until we get it done,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said.
Both McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) reported progress on the effort.
That breakthrough occurred after they began focusing on elements that enjoy bipartisan support while putting the more contentious elements aside for now.
December 11, 2020 By Jim Myers
Washington, D.C. Trying to keep its track record intact, the House passed by voice vote the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, sending it on to the Senate for final congressional action.
Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, called the bill a “bipartisan, bicameral agreement,” and highlighted authorization in S. 1811 for all 46 reports a record number of the chief engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 27 new feasibility studies and expedited completion of more than 60 ongoing studies.
DeFazio also pointed to provisions to ensure full utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund by unlocking funds that have sat idle for decades.