In August, a second pipeline accident, this one in New Mexico, claimed 12 lives. In the House, two leading Democrats led the fight against accepting the Senate bill. Michigan s John Dingell, ranking minority member on the Commerce Committee, and Minnesota s James Oberstar, the top Democrat on the transportation committee, argued that the Senate version wasn t tough enough on pipeline operators. They proposed an alternative bill. Dingell and Oberstar have support from environmentalists and labor unions.
Little time remains in the congressional session.
Adjournment is expected sometime the week of Oct. 22.