Congress’ Republican majority is plowing ahead with a second filibuster-proof bill in the coming weeks that would fund immigration enforcement agencies for years to come.
But the will to craft a third party-line bill this session of Congress — one that could be loaded up with provisions on energy, fraud prevention and other Republican priorities — remains elusive.
The tepid desire among some Republican leaders to navigate the reconciliation process for a third time in two years could tank the GOP’s chances of enacting new conservative policies on energy and the environment before November’s midterm elections — even as some prominent players within the party continue to push for it.
“At this point, I just think that’s premature,” said Senate Environment and Public Works Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) when asked if her panel will play a role in a possible third reconciliation bill later this year.
