Philip Brasher

The Obama administration has issued a final rule re-defining what streams, ponds, wetlands and other features will be regulated under the Clean Water Act. The rule includes some changes that administration officials say address concern that definitions in the proposed rul

Republican plans to use the appropriations process to block President ObamaPs regulatory agenda.

The spending limits will increase pressure on appropriators to cut money from some farm bill programs, with conservation and rural development being possible targets.

Trade Promotion Authority comes down to a few votes in the House.

Republicans are moving standalone bills to kill the WOTUS rule outright while also pursuing appropriations language that would prevent the administration from implementing the rule for fiscal 2016.

The Senate agreed to give President Obama fast-track negotiating authority to wrap up a 12-nation Pacific Rim agreement and complete a second deal with the European Union.

The fast-track trade bill cleared another hurdle as the Senate voted to move ahead on the legislation, 62-38, after a deal was reached to vote separately on the Export-Import Bank.

Critics of biotech foods say that killing a House bill to preempt state GMO labeling laws would force the food industry to negotiate with labeling proponents. pWe must stop this pDARK Act.p This will bring the companies to the table,p said Gary Hirshberg

The administration is expected to release the final pwaters of the United Statesp (WOTUS) rule in the next week or so. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy has been promising to refine the definitions in the proposed rule to address concerns raised by critics.

Senate Republican leaders have been working to get the fast-track trade bill to the finish line this week, ahead of the Memorial Day recess. But the debate was dragging amid negotiations over how many amendments would be considered.