House and Senate Pass Respective Budget Resolutions

• Congressional Focus: Chambers pass Budget Resolutions before two-week break, Reid to retire ...
• Capacity Markets: New England delegation holds Summit on energy prices with FERC’s LaFleur, ISO-NE’s Van Welie...
• Energy Policy: Shaheen-Portman passes in the dead of night, Federal agencies work together on hydropower ... 
• Cyber Security: Multiple bills moving through House, Senate advancing CISA...

The week of March 23, the House and Senate passed respective budget resolutions for fiscal year 2016, which will provide a blueprint for each Committee’s tax and spending funding levels for the remainder of the year.  The Senate debate featured dozens of votes on wide-ranging policy items. Hundreds of amendments were filed, including many on energy and environmental issues, but only some received a vote.  

The bills are not legally binding and do not become law, but they do have legislative significance.  Aside from getting Members on the record, budget resolutions include "reconciliation" instructions, which provide procedural "fast-track" benefits that can be used to move controversial tax and spending legislation.  

The following day, in a surprise to many, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced he would not run for reelection. He has endorsed Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to replace him as the party’s leader.

To read the complete legislative update including the following topics, click the links below: