Democrats promise fight over efforts to repeal environmental regs

“The regulations are there for a reason,” he continued, his voice rising. “They are there to protect the precious environment of America, and if it is your intent to do away with those regulations, then know this: you will have a fight on your hands.”

The exchange took place in the context of a nearly six hour debate over a pending Republican resolution instructing 10 House committees to review regulations that might hurt U.S. job creation. Several Democrats asked Republicans to end the debate to spare both sides hours of debate and possibly move on a Democrat-preferred jobs bill. But each time, Republicans declined the offer.

Debate was controlled tonight by the House Committees on Small Business, Energy & Commerce, Transportation & Infrastructure, Financial Services, Natural Resources, and Ways & Means. Four additional hours of debate are expected on Friday.