The "freedom-to-build" deal seeks to expedite approvals for high-voltage transmission lines and limit the use of the federal Clean Water Act to block pipeline developments. This legislation is separate from the GOP-led Ratepayer Protection Act, which aims to address data center costs; Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has dismissed that specific bill as a "toothless messaging bill" and intends to block it despite its 417-3 passage in the House.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Senate Negotiators Resume Energy Permitting Bill Release
US Politics20 days ago
Energy Committee Chair Mike Lee and other officials scheduled a press conference for 12:30 p.m. EDT Wednesday to unveil the language of a bipartisan energy infrastructure package. Republican aides confirmed that the text release is back on, resolving a brief conflict in which Democratic staff flagged changes to language regarding five offshore wind projects the Trump administration had previously attempted to block. Senator John Thune of South Dakota had considered delaying a vote until after the election recess to avoid a failed measure, but the sides now proceed with the public release.
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