This Week on the Hill: Senate Eyes Passage of Bipartisan Energy Package

Both chambers of Congress will reconvene for legislative business this afternoon as Senators look to wrap up work on a bipartisan package of energy-related legislation. The measure compiles more than 50 bills out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee aimed at fostering innovation in clean energy technology. The Senate will vote on a motion to end debate on the bill later this evening, with a vote on final passage likely to occur in the middle of this week.

On the House floor this week, lawmakers are expected to take up: (1) legislation that would limit the Trump administration’s authority to suspend or restrict immigration from predominantly Muslim countries; (2) a bill that would make certain that those held or detained while attempting to enter the U.S. are guaranteed access to legal counsel; and (3) a Senate-passed “War Powers” resolution that seeks to restrict President Trump’s ability to engage in military action against Iran absent Congressional approval. For today, the lower chamber will take up six bills under suspension of the rules.

Meanwhile, the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination will continue tomorrow as voters in six states — ID, MI, MS, MO, ND, and WA — will head to the polls. Former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) will battle it out for the rest of the primary following the departures of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and former South Bend, IN Mayor Pete Buttigieg last week. With 1,991 delegates needed to clinch the nomination, Vice President Biden currently leads the field with 664 delegates following his “Super Tuesday” performance, followed by Sen. Sanders (573).