WATCH LIVE: Senate returns to Capitol Hill days after Democrats win back control

The Senate was due to consider bipartisan legislation to speed up federal reviews for energy projects, data centres and other infrastructure, in its first major action after an election that dealt a setback to President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans. The bill matters because it could shorten delays for projects intended to meet rising energy demand, while requiring data centres to pay for the energy they use.

The Senate was expected to hold a procedural vote after convening at 3 p.m. EST on Monday. Supporters say faster approvals could help lower electricity costs; clean-energy and oil and gas industry groups back the measure. Environmental groups oppose it, arguing that changes to safeguards and judicial review could favour fossil fuels and make it harder for communities to challenge projects. Its four bipartisan Senate sponsors released amendments on Saturday to try to build support.