22 Democrats join GOP on Big Oil bill after midterms
The gist
The US Senate voted 73-25 to advance the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, with 22 Democrats joining Republicans.
The bill would weaken Clean Water Act protections to speed energy projects, setting up a contentious amendment fight.
How it unfolded
- Nov 8, 2026Common Dreams publishes a piece asking whether Democrats are about to help the GOP pass a 'massive giveaway' to Big Oil and Big Tech, noting Trump's appointment of Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff.
- Nov 9, 2026The Senate votes 73-25 to advance the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, a permitting reform bill that would weaken the Clean Water Act and other environmental protections.
- Nov 10, 2026Common Dreams reports the vote came days after a midterm blowout, with 22 Democrats joining Republicans.
Key terms
- permitting reform bill
- A proposed law that would change the rules for approving permits for energy and infrastructure projects.
- Clean Water Act
- The primary U.S. federal law governing water pollution, aimed at restoring and maintaining the integrity of the nation's waters.
- midterms
- US general elections held near the midpoint of a president's four-year term, when all House seats and about a third of Senate seats are contested.
Source: Wikipedia