Trump Administration and Climate Policy

Senate Democrats, led by Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, blocked a late‑night unanimous‑consent request to advance a five‑bill GOP funding minibus before year‑end, conditioning any lift of their hold on a guaranteed amendment outcome to protect funding for the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder. Appropriations Chair Susan Collins said all prior Republican holds had been cleared, leaving only the Colorado Democrats’ objection as the final obstacle. The dispute follows OMB Director Russ Vought’s criticism of NCAR and a review that could redistribute weather work, and Majority Leader John Thune said Democrats indicated they want to pass the bills but “didn't want to do them today” and will try again when the Senate returns.