Democrats Reached a Deal with Republicans to Lower Energy Costs. Rashida Tlaib Is Trying to Kill It

“Our family members can’t afford higher [energy] rates,” Representative Rashida Tlaib said from the House floor in March. Ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections, Democrats have echoed that message, blaming the Trump administration for rising energy costs. However, amid the political finger-pointing, a bipartisan proposal that promises to lower energy costs emerged from the Senate at the end of September.

The American Affordability and Jobs Act promises to streamline energy development, assuming that a higher supply will drive down costs. If passed, this new bill would overhaul federal environmental permitting, with the goal of speeding up energy project and infrastructure development. It was introduced to the Senate on September 30, co-sponsored by two Republicans — Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Mike Lee — and two Democrats — Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Martin Heinrich.