Articles by Philip Brasher

Senate Republicans are preparing to move a series of bills that would make it harder for the Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) to enforce the Endangered Species Act (ESA) while giving states and local governments a much bigger role in determining protections.

The House Agriculture Committee is set to mark up a bill Thursday to reauthorize the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and roll back some Dodd-Frank regulations that have frustrated agribusiness companies and other traders.

The House voted to kill the Obama administration's proposed Clean Water Act rule, but the margin was far short of the two-thirds support that would be needed to override a likely presidential veto. The 261-155 vote served to put members on record on the rule.

Senate Democrats at least temporarily sidelined President Obama�s trade agenda, blocking advancement of a bill to provide a fast-track approval process for trade agreements. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., demanded that Republicans

Senate Democrats whose votes are critical to passing a fast-track trade bill have been pressing for a last-minute commitment from Republicans to move a separate enforcement measure.

Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts said hes intent on enacting a new child nutrition law by Sept. 30, giving schools more flexibility in meeting standards for school meals. But Roberts acknowledged the battle he faces in rewriting the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of

Senate Republican leaders are pushing ahead with a fast-track trade bill, setting up the first key vote for next Tuesday. The 60-vote threshold on the GOP move to proceed with the legislation will provide a test of White House leadership and internal Democratic divisions on the tra

There are signs of life on both sides of the Capitol for an effort to stop states from requiring labeling of biotech foods. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is preparing to move a bill in coming weeks, and a companion version is now in the works in the Senate.

Republicans are gearing up to use the fiscal 2016 appropriations process to target a long list of issues from the definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS) to menu labeling and greenhouse gas regulations.

A fast-track trade bill appears to have enough support to pass the Senate - the question is when. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, who opposes President Obamas trade agenda, is looking to delay a vote.