Thursday: Coal ash in the House, THUD in the Senate

Most Democrats are expected to oppose the bill as something that would weaken environmental standards and pose risks to human health.

{mosads}The House on Wednesday approved a rule for the bill, which allows consideration of three Democratic amendments. Members should be in a position to vote on amendments and pass the bill by noon.

It was not on the formal GOP schedule, but the House may also consider a Senate-passed bill on student loan interest rates. The Senate approved a bill similar to the House bill on Wednesday, and House GOP leaders said they would quickly consider it — if not Thursday, likely next week.

The Senate starts work at 9:30 a.m., and will continue to work on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development spending bill for 2014, S. 1243 — which some call THUD.

As of late Wednesday, the Senate had not announced any amendment votes on this bill, but work on the legislation is expected for the rest of the week.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said Wednesday that he may also set up votes Thursday on National Labor Relations Board nominees.