The future of bipartisan permitting reform remains uncertain as lawmakers weigh whether to advance the legislation during the lame-duck session or revisit the issue under a new political landscape. Democrats’ commanding midterm victories have strengthened their bargaining position, raising questions about whether they will seek a different approach when the next Congress convenes.
“I don’t know that there’s any fundamental difference in the chances I would give it in passing, it’s still about 50-50, and that might be generous,” Bracewell’s Frank Maisano told The Hill.