Wednesday: Currency in the Senate, EPA in the House

Senate Democrats on Tuesday criticized House Republican leaders for saying they would not consider the currency bill even if it were to pass the Senate. Republicans shot back that the Obama administration itself opposes the bill.

The House returns at noon to start work on two bills. One of them, H.R. 2681, would require a delay in the EPA’s cement regulations that Republicans say would cost jobs in the cement industry. The House approved a rule Tuesday setting the terms of debate for the bill.

The rule for the bill allows any amendment offered by yesterday to be considered on the floor, so much of today in the House will likely involve dealing with these amendments. Twenty-three amendments were printed in today’s Congressional Record — all are from Democrats, and many seek to prevent a delay in the cement regulations if doing so would lead to increased pollution and health effects.

The second bill, H.R. 1343, would ensure the return of unused money from the 2009 stimulus bill meant to increase broadband access in rural and remote areas. House Republicans are bringing up the bill under a suspension of House rules, which means there will be only 40 minutes of debate, and passage by a two-thirds majority is needed.