GOP senator eyes spring for permitting reform bill even as Democrats hold out

Published January 28, 2026 1:42pm ET



At least one Republican senator is hopeful that Congress can advance meaningful legislation reforming the process for energy and infrastructure projects to obtain federal permits for construction by the spring, despite negotiations with Democrats still being paused.

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), one of the top Republicans on the Environment and Public Works Committee, told the Washington Examiner on Wednesday that he believes Republicans will be able to put forward “good language” regarding permitting “rather soon.”

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