This Week on the Hill: Snowstorm Delays Votes in Both Chambers, Energy Bill in Senate

Washington is still digging out from a severe snowstorm over the weekend that brought two feet of snow to the area. As a result, the week’s schedule is still in flux, with the House already calling off all votes for the week and the Senate delaying all their votes until Wednesday at the earliest. As of this moment, Senate Republicans plan to begin floor debate on energy legislation this week – if the streets are clear of snow and Washington is back to business. 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 next votes in the House are scheduled for Monday, February 1 and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has also decided to delay floor debate of two contentious measures until next week. The first of these measures is an Iran sanctions bill (H.R. 3662) that would require the White House to certify that individuals are not supporting Tehran’s weapons development or terrorist activities before any restrictions on them are lifted. The other measure is a veto override for the budget reconciliation bill (H.R. 3762)  that repeals major sections of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and revokes federal funding for Planned Parenthood. While floor-wide votes have been canceled, House committees are expected to hold hearings that are scheduled for this week.  
 
Away from Washington, House Democrats are set to meet in Baltimore on Wednesday to hold their issues conference and plan legislative priorities for the year. 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.   
 
 
‘This Week 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.