Grassley: Murkowski measure to block EPA rules unlikely to pass

Democratic leaders agreed to allow a vote on Murkowski’s amendment — if she chooses to offer it, which, as of Monday was unclear.

Even
if Murkowski does offer the amendment and somehow pass the Senate,
Grassley asserted the provision would likely be dead-on-arrival in the
House, and with President Barack Obama.

“Let’s suppose it passed
the Senate. What about the House? I think it’d be difficult there
unless it becomes a big political issue between now and the election,”
the Iowa Republican explained. “But then that process is subject to a
veto.”

Grassley did hint that Murkowski could offer the
provision as a rider to another appropriations bill as a short-term
effort to block EPA regulations.

The EPA has moved to regulate
greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change since being granted
the agency authority. Republicans have protested those moves as a
back-door attempt at new climate change rules for the U.S.

This story first appeared in our Blog Briefing Room.