WASHINGTON — The Senate blocked a bill that would remove sexual assault cases in the military from the chain of command on Thursday. Needing 60 votes to overcome the threat of a filibuster, the bill, authored by New York Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, stalled, although it garnered 55 votes. The matter divided both parties, with 44 Democrats and 11 Republicans voting yes and 34 Republicans and 11 Democrats voting no.

U.S. Senate vote

Jeff Merkley (D) Y

Ron Wyden (D) Y

On Thursday, the House passed a bill that would limit the time allotted for an environmental review, so that building projects would not face prolonged delays. The Responsibly and Professionally Invigorating Development Act would place a deadline on environmental reviews on public works projects, which proponents argue will boost the economy by speeding up work. Its opponents maintain that it will undermine environmental protections and lead to increased lawsuits. The White House threatened to veto the measure. A dozen Democrats joined with 217 Republicans to support the measure, while 179 Democrats voted against it.

U.S. House vote

Greg Walden (R) Y

Earl Blumenauer (D) N

Suzanne Bonamici (D) N

Peter DeFazio (D) N

Kurt Schrader (D) Y

Also on Thursday, the House voted to reject Environmental Protection Agency rules that place limits on carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants in the future. The Electricity Security and Affordability Act passed by a 229-183 margin. Ten Democrats and 219 Republicans voted for the measure, with three Republicans and 180 Democrats voting no.

U.S. House vote

Greg Walden (R) Y

Earl Blumenauer (D) N

Suzanne Bonamici (D) N

Peter DeFazio (D) N

Kurt Schrader (D) N

— Andrew Clevenger,The Bulletin