Bipartisan Lands Bill To Test Whether Senate Can Overcome Gridlock

The Senate seems to be moving ahead on a bipartisan omnibus bill to expand hunting and fishing on public land, among other things. It includes provisions that would allow federal land managers to charge fees to some documentary photographers. On July 7, the Senate voted 82-12 to limit debate on the motion to proceed with the bill.

"A package of bills to expand hunting, fishing and shooting opportunities on public lands will have a key test vote this evening in the Senate, offering another chance for a gridlocked upper chamber to pass popular legislation affecting the environment.

But while S. 2363, the "Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act," carries 45 co-sponsors and is backed by a bevy of sportsmen's and conservation groups spanning the political spectrum, many fear it could fall victim to the same partisan fights over amendments that have derailed bipartisan bills this year to boost energy efficiency and extend energy tax breaks.

As the 2014 midterm election inches closer, proponents of the sportsmen's bill say the window of opportunity for Senate passage is quickly closing."

Phil Taylor reports for E&E Daily July 7, 2014.