"House Democrats signaled their readiness for 2019 combat with President Trump with the New Year's Eve release of an omnibus spending bill aimed at reopening the government.

The spending bill — which would fund EPA and the departments of the Interior, Commerce, Agriculture, Transportation and State — is part of the incoming House majority's push to end the partial government shutdown.

The omnibus would fund the agencies through the Sept. 30 end of the fiscal year. A separate bill would fund the Department of Homeland Security until Feb. 8.

"Responsibly funding the federal government is one of the most important duties of Congress," said Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), who'll take over the Appropriations Committee this week."

Manuel Quiñones reports for E&E Daily December 31, 2018. [2]