This Week on the Hill
Congress comes back from its Memorial Day recess this week with two very important steps towards the new Administration’s energy policy completed. Before the break the House Energy and Commerce Committee reported an economy-wide, cap-and-trade bill, and the Senate Energy Committee found enough votes to create a new renewable energy standard. This week will be quieter by comparison. The most noteworthy action might be behind the scenes as various House committees fight over jurisdiction over the climate change bill. In the past week both Chairman Rangel, in Ways and Means, and Chairman Peterson, in Agriculture, have stated that they will take a hard look at the bill, and will likely have their committees create their own stamp on its language.
Additionally, this week the House and Senate will take on more budget and nominee hearings, a long with other minor hearings. On Wednesday, June 3, the House Science and Technology Committee will conduct a markup of the National Climate Service bill at 2 p.m. in Room 2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building.