House, Senate to take up EPA legislation; budget watch continues

The House returns at 10 a.m. for general speeches, which could once again give members a chance to vent about the apparent lack of a budget deal for fiscal 2011.

As of Wednesday morning, House Republicans had not announced plans to pass their one-week spending bill, H.R. 1363. But that announcement could come at any time, as Republicans made the bill public on Monday, and their three-day rule would allow House consideration any time Wednesday.

At noon, the House will take up H.R. 910, which would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating greenhouse gas emissions. The House will start with a debate on the rule, then the bill itself, and then 12 Democratic amendments.

Four of these amendments would require studies on the impact of limiting the EPA in this way. One amendment that is likely to be controversial is from Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and would say Congress accepts the EPA's findings that climate change is happening and is caused by human activities.

Final votes are expected by 6 or 7 p.m. While the bill is expected to pass the House, President Obama warned on Tuesday that he would veto any bill that "seriously" rolls back the EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act.

The Senate returns at 9:30 a.m., and after morning business will continue consideration of a bill to reauthorize small-business programs. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Tuesday night announced that senators will consider an amendment Wednesday afternoon from Senate Republicans that would eliminate EPA climate change rules, and other Democratic alternatives will also be considered.

The breakthrough in the Senate may also allow consideration of other amendments, including six from Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) aimed at reducing government spending.