The U.S. House of Representatives Rule Committee will hold a hearing on the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act (AEIJA) at 4:00 p.m. CST on February 14, 2012.  Several dozen amendments were submitted by the 10:00 a.m. CST deadline on February 13, including a bipartisan amendment to restore dedicated funding for the Mass Transit Account from highway user fees.  After passing the Rules Committee, the full House could consider the bill later this week.  For CMAP’s analysis of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, please consult this Policy Update from February 9.

On February 9, the Senate voted 85-11 to invoke cloture on Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century (MAP-21).  This move ends debate on the bill and clears the way for floor amendments and a full Senate vote.  Also on February 9, the White House issued a statement supporting passage of MAP-21.  On February 13, one senator placed a hold on the bill to make a statement on aid to Egypt, and six senators filed an amendment that would approve the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to Texas.  President Obama denied a permit for the Keystone Pipeline in January 2012.  For CMAP’s analysis of MAP-21, please consult this Policy Update from November 17, 2011.