1. APPROPRIATIONS:
Dem aims to block U.S. support for oil shale as energy spending debate resumes
As the House resumes consideration of the fiscal 2013 energy and water appropriations bill today, a Western Democrat wants to ensure that the government does not spend any money researching oil shale extraction. That amendment, expected to be debated as soon as this afternoon, is one of several controversial measures lawmakers will try to attach to the spending bill, including Republican attempts to continue a ban on enforcing efficiency standards for light bulbs. Go to story #1