Senate, House At Odds?

Fractious bickering and arguing? Oh come now! Energy bill. AP (04.21.05):

"The House is set to approve an energy bill that would open an Alaska wildlife refuge to oil drilling and provide billions of dollars in benefits to energy industries, but critics say it does little to reduce the nation's thirst for oil. The legislation, expected to be voted on by the House on Thursday, is certain to produce a confrontation with the Senate over protection of the Alaska refuge and over a provision in the bill that would help makers of a water-polluting gasoline additive deflect environmental lawsuits." House Ready to Pass Energy Bill, Conflict With Senate Likely

Medicaid. AP (04.21.05):

"The House and Senate stand far apart over proposed cuts to Medicaid and other government spending, an impasse that has deadlocked negotiations on next year's budget. 'It's at a standstill,' Senate Budget Committee Chairman Judd Gregg (R - NH), said Wednesday." House, Senate Budget Negotiations at a Standstill Over Medicaid

Military spending. AP (04.21.05):

"(T)he Republican-controlled House and Senate were heading for a showdown as negotiators write the final bill, a compromise between the two versions. The chambers differ over how much money should go to military operations versus foreign assistance. Immigration reforms, a U.S. embassy in Baghdad, military death benefits and an aircraft carrier are among the many other sources of conflict that will have to be sorted out." Senate, House Heading Toward Showdown Over War Spending Bill

Domestic immigration reform ended up being part of this package too. Soft money. AP (04.21.05):

"The House and Senate appear headed in different directions on dealing with the influence of soft-money groups like the Republican-leaning Swift Boat Veterans and Democrat-aligned MoveOn.org that emerged in last year's presidential election." House, Senate split on nonparty funds