Contentious debate is expected in coming days as Sen. Slade Gorton tries
to win Senate passage for a $13.4 billion Department of Interior spending
bill that includes language which Gorton says defines Congress’ role in
protecting the Columbia-Snake River hydroelectric system’s primary functions.

The bill was brought to the Senate floor Tuesday, though debate was
not expected to begin until late this week, said Gorton spokesman Rob Nichols.

The legislation faces the continued threat …