House Committees will take action this week on transportation/energy proposals

House Committees will mark-up and consider passing “The American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act” this week. The main spot-light will be on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (broadcasting the mark-up live) where the nuts and bolts of a long-term transportation reauthorization will be marked-up on Thursday, but critical action on Wednesday by the House Natural Resources Committee should not be overlooked. They’ll be disecting the on and off-shore oil and gas provisions of the proposal which will serve as a key funding source. Additionally, their section could include a provision to force action on the Keystone Pipeline. House Ways and Means may act on the funding provisions this Friday.

For a brush-up on the legislative process check out this helpful House of Representatives website. Their sight defines a mark-up this way: “After hearings are completed, the bill is considered in a session that is popularly known as the “mark-up” session. Members of the committee study the viewpoints presented in detail. Amendments may be offered to the bill, and the committee members vote to accept or reject these changes.”

According to House Speaker John Boehner, the full House of Representatives could consider this legislation as early as next week and the Senate is also anticipated to take action this week or next with the Banking and Finance Committees still needing to work on their portions. As you’ll recall, the Senate EPW Committee voted unanimously to pass their two-year version already.

Keep an eye on how Democrats in the House react to the legislation - the strength of their support or opposition will be a key indicator as to the likelihood of the full Congress sending legislation to the President’s desk.