The House is in recess this week, while the Senate turns its attention to a major housing bill, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources ranking member Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Environment and Public Works ranking member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) announced Thursday that they are reopening negotiations on permitting reform, after previously declaring the effort "dead in the water" over the Trump administration's rollback of renewable energy projects.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is already hitting American wallets. Gas prices jumped nearly 17% in the first week of hostilities, averaging around $3.48 a gallon, while oil topped $100 a barrel. Disruptions to liquefied natural gas (LNG) production in the region have driven energy futures sharply higher in Europe and Asia, and rising U.S. LNG exports are expected to push domestic prices up as well. Senators from both parties say the Pentagon is expected to propose a supplemental spending bill covering combat operations in Iran and potential military aid to Ukraine, which could serve as a vehicle for broader crisis-related legislation.

Congress also still needs to resolve the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, now on its 24th day. The removal of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has done little to soften Democratic opposition.
 

Committee Hearings of Interest This Week: 

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, will examine a bill to examine to authorize manufacturers of diesel vehicles to suspend engine derate or shutdown functions in prolonged cold weather conditions. Wednesday at 10:00 AM. (details here)