Today on the Hill: DC Still Shoveling Out

With Washington still shoveling out from a mammoth snow storm and the public transit systems and airports not yet back to full service, the Capitol will remain largely quiet today. The Senate’s scheduled to gavel in at 10:00 a.m. with no roll-call votes planned for the day. Senate leadership has delayed until tomorrow a vote on a judicial nomination. When senators do get back to town, Senate Republicans plan to begin floor debate on energy legislation. The measure (S. 2012), which had bipartisan support in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, includes provisions designed to boost efficiency, speed construction of electric transmission lines, and streamline permitting for natural gas exports. 

The House has canceled all business this week, although the Democratic retreat scheduled to start tomorrow in Baltimore will likely go on. However, this too may be impacted by the snow as West Coast lawmakers will be trying to navigate airport schedules and get to Baltimore in time for the meeting. The Democrats’ legislative leaders, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), have a pre-retreat Oval Office meeting scheduled this morning to discuss priorities with President Obama. 

‘Today on the Hill’ includes updates provided by the House and Senate majority leaders, as well information derived from publications including Bloomberg Government, The Hill, Politico, Roll Call, and National Journal.