Congress returns this week for its remaining “lame duck” session following the midterm elections held last Tuesday. Current Republican leadership in the House of Representatives will face attendance challenges with members who lost their re-election bids, with passing a government funding bill by December and other “must-do” items taking precedence.

Enacting a bipartisan permitting reform bill that would hasten the development of major energy projects is among the top priorities for senators who have spent months negotiating the legislation; also one of CREDA's top federal legislative priorities. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (S. 5653) would rationalize provisions of the National Energy Policy Act, the Clean Water Act and other requirements under federal law while maintaining environmental protections.

The Senate will hold a procedural vote Monday afternoon that will determine whether debate on the legislation can move forward and a vote on final passage. A number of House Democrats, including presumed speaker Hakeem Jeffries, however, have signaled their desire to wait until the newly elected Congress is seated on Jan. 3 to revisit permit reform legislation.