On Dec. 12, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced legislation to provide necessary resources to water resource recovery facilities — frequently the largest energy user in municipalities — to upgrade their energy and water efficiency. The Water Environment Federation worked closely with Merkley's office to help create the bill. The infrastructure updates sought would curb emissions from wasted energy and reduce facility costs.

The 115th Congress returned this week following the Thanksgiving holiday for a busy lame-duck session, ready to negotiate on a few remaining issues before wrapping up the 115th Congress for good and heading home for the holidays. This includes passing the remaining appropriations bills, which includes the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, for FY 2019.

February 7, 2018 - On Feb. 7th, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee voted to send former Senate staff member and lobbyist Andrew Wheeler’s nomination for the No. 2 job at the EPA to the Senate floor. On a party-line vote, the EPW Committee advanced Wheeler’s nomination to serve as the deputy administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Feb. 2, 2018 - On Jan. 30, EPA Chief Scott Pruitt testified before the Senate EPW Committee for close to three hours at a sometimes-tense oversight hearing. While Chair John Barrasso (R-WY) and most Republicans praised Pruitt at the hearing, Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-DE) and several other Democrats voiced frustration at his actions over the past year.

Jan. 26, 2018 — After a 3-day government shutdown and an intense weekend of negotiations and disagreements, the U.S. Senate passed a 3-week continuing resolution (CR) on Monday, Jan. 22. The CR will extend funding for the federal government through Feb. 8, 2018.

Jan. 12, 2018 — On Jan. 10, the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) held a full committee hearing titled, “America’s Water Infrastructure Needs and Challenges."

Jan. 12, 2018 — After months of stalemate, Congressional leaders of both parties have expressed confidence that a 2-year deal to raise spending caps could be reached next week. However, even if they do reach a deal, the need for a fourth stopgap spending bill for FY2018, likely to fund the government through President's Day, remains highly likely.

Jan. 5, 2018 — Despite effort on both sides of the aisle, some appropriators are talking about the potential need for a fourth stopgap spending bill for FY2018.

Dec. 8, 2017 — On Dec. 7, the U.S. Senate confirmed Susan Bodine by voice vote to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement office, the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.