THE DAILY WHIP: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

H.Res. 38 – Rule Providing for Consideration of both H.R. 161 – Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act (Rep. Pompeo – Energy and Commerce) and H.R. 36 – Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (Rep. Franks – Judiciary) (One Hour of Debate).  The Rules Committee has recommended one Rule which provides for consideration of two bills.

For H.R. 161, the Rules committee has recommended a closed Rule that provides for one hour of general debate equally divided between the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy & Commerce. The Rule allows one motion to recommit, and waives all points of order against the legislation.

For H.R. 36, the Rules committee has recommended a closed Rule that provides for one hour of general debate equally divided between the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on Judiciary. The Rule allows one motion to recommit, and waives all points of order against the legislation.

The Rules Committee rejected a motion by Ms. Slaughter of New York to consider both bills under an open Rule. Members are urged to VOTE NO.

H.R. 161 – Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act (Rep. Pompeo – Energy and Commerce) (One Hour of Debate). This bill sets statutory deadlines for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other federal agencies to act when considering certification or permits for the construction or expansion of natural gas pipelines.

The bill would expedite the approval of FERC certificates of public convenience for interstate natural gas pipelines by setting a 12 month deadline for FERC to act on a project after receiving a complete application. Once FERC issues its final environmental review of the project, the bill would set a 90-day clock on other federal agencies to issue any necessary project permits.  If the relevant agency does not make a decision within that timeframe, the permit would be deemed approved. FERC may extend that time period by 30 days if an agency demonstrates that it cannot complete the process in the required 90 days. In the Statement of Administration Policy, the President's senior advisors stated that they would recommend a veto of the bill.

Bill Text for H.R. 161:
PDF Version

Background for H.R. 161:
CRS Report: Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines: Process and Timing of FERC Permit Application Review

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK
The GOP Leadership has announced the following schedule for Thursday, January 22: The House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. The House is expected to consider H.R. 36 – Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (Rep. Franks – Judiciary).