Mike Lee's Bill-by-Bill Approach Challenges Senate Lands Bills Push
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Mike Lee has outlined his approach to running the committee, favouring a more bill-by-bill process over mega-packages. This comes as several senators, including former chairs Maria Cantwell and Lisa Murkowski, push for the passage of long-stalled lands bills.
Lee, who declined an interview, has indicated he wants to meet more often and consider bills individually. He believes this will provide a venue for senators to raise objections and vote on specific legislation. However, this approach may pose challenges, given the limited floor time in the Senate and the need for a lands package to pass legislation.
Lee's stance on public land sales remains unclear, having given mixed signals in the past. This issue generated bipartisan blowback previously. Meanwhile, Murkowski has mentioned several bills she's seeking to pass, including legislation to resolve land entitlements in Cape Fox, Alaska (S. 2016) and S. 2554. The tense relationship between Lee and ranking member Martin Heinrich may impact the progress of a lands package deal. Other senators, such as John Hoeven, agree with Lee's approach but acknowledge the need for a lands package to pass legislation.
Lee's bill-by-bill approach to committee work may face hurdles due to limited Senate floor time and the need for a lands package. Meanwhile, Murkowski and other senators continue to push for the passage of their long-stalled lands bills. The committee's dynamics, particularly the relationship between Lee and Heinrich, will play a crucial role in determining the fate of these bills.
