Senate Delays Consideration of Energy and Water Appropriations Legislation

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), on Wednesday, delayed consideration of the 2012 Energy and Water Appropriations bill until after Thanksgiving.  This legislation included $31.6 billion for energy and water programs, including funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with funding for financial services and the Department of State and foreign operations.  Earlier in the week, Sen. Reid had hoped to move forward with legislation; but when that effort failed after numerous senators objected, Reid attempted to move the energy and water legislation as a stand-alone bill.  That effort, however, was delayed when senators attempted to add numerous amendments, slowing debate.   While Reid intends to resume consideration of energy and water after the Thanksgiving break, action – or inaction – by the super committee before the Nov. 23 deadline will likely impact further progress on the funding bills for water, energy and other crucial government programs.   AGC will continue to track this important debate and provide updates as they become available. For more information, please contact Sean O’Neill at (202) 547-8892 or oneills@agc.org.