Colorado Capitol Report

Transportation Bill, Ex-Im Bank Reauthorization Top Congressional Action

In this Capitol Report:


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Federal Policy News

Congressional Update:

  • Transportation Bill Sent to President’s Desk: Within hours of each other yesterday, the House (359-65) & then the Senate (83-16) passed a compromise transportation and infrastructure package.  This five-year language was a compromise between the six-year versions passed earlier this fall.  The new language provides $305 billion in funding for highways, passenger transit , rail & bridge infrastructure programs through 2020.
  • Ex-Im Bank Reauthorized! As a measure included in the must-pass transportation bill, was reauthorization language for the Export-Import Bank.  Lending ability was slightly reduced and additional oversight measures were added, but the bank can resume lending.
  • Senate Passes Obamacare Repeal: Language passed the Senate Thursday by a vote of 52-47.  The House passed similar language earlier this year, but language between the two houses of Congress would need to be reconciled and both bill drew veto threats from President Obama.
  • Congress Acts to Block GHG Rules: The House passed two Senate-approved resolutions to block EPA greenhouse gas (GHG) rules aimed at power plants, 242-180.  President Obama was attending the Paris climate summit at the time and has said he will veto the GHG bill upon returning to the United States.