WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to ease restrictions on small hydropower generating operations that are housed within Bureau of Reclamation facilities.

The bill grants waivers from environmental considerations when projects generating 5 megawatts or less are placed within pipelines or canals belonging to the Bureau of Reclamation, and requires the federal agency to give local irrigation districts and water associations the right of first refusal to lease the power generated. The measure passed by a 416-7 vote, with 228 Republicans and 188 Democrats voting for it. All seven no votes were cast by Democrats.

U.S. House vote

• Ease hydropower restrictions

Walden (R) Y

Bonamici (D) Y

Blumenauer (D) Y

DeFazio (D) Y

Schrader (D) Y

On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Sally Jewell to be the Secretary of the Interior. Jewell, a native of Washington State and the CEO of Recreational Equipment Inc., replaces outgoing Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

After President Barack Obama nominated her to the post, Jewell cruised through her March 7 confirmation hearing and was quickly endorsed by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The Senate approved her nomination by a vote of 87-11, with all of the no votes coming from GOP senators.

U.S. Senate vote

• Confirm Sally Jewell as Secretary of the Interior

Merkley (D) Y

Wyden (D) Y

On Thursday, after Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Pat Toomey, R-Pa., announced they had reached an agreement on a bill that would expand background checks for would-be gun buyers to include the Internet and gun shows, the Senate voted to override the threat of a Republican filibuster.

The 68-31 vote does not mean that the bill passes, but allows the chamber to proceed to debate on the bill. Two Democrats — Mark Begich of Alaska and Mark Pryor of Arkansas — joined 29 Republicans in opposing the cloture motion, while 16 Republicans voted with the Democratic majority. Further debate and a possible passage vote is expected during the upcoming week.

U.S. Senate vote

• Allow debate on bill requiring gun sale background checks

Merkley (D) Y

Wyden (D) Y

— Andrew Clevenger, The Bulletin