"Energy and environmental agencies avoided major cuts and most controversial policy riders in Senate spending bills released this morning.

The Senate Appropriations Committee released its 12 annual government funding bills, without holding any markups, to serve as an opening bid in negotiations with the House.

Congress will need to move quickly on a fiscal 2021 deal, with current funding set to expire on Dec. 11, or risk a federal shutdown.

"By and large, these bills are the product of bipartisan cooperation among members of the committee," said Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.). He said he was eager to work with House appropriators to resolve differences in a "bipartisan manner" to deliver a broad omnibus package."

George Cahlink reports for E&E News November 10, 2020. [2]