Bipartisanship isn’t dead. Here’s what Congress might agree on

The U.S. Congress is bitterly divided, but, in some niche areas, there’s hope for compromise. Many of these bipartisan efforts would have far-reaching effects on markets, business and consumers.

MARIJUANA: An effort to provide legal protections to banking services for state-authorized marijuana businesses didn’t quite get across the finish line last year, but has already been the focus of bipartisan discussions, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer taking a leading role. Notably, a version passed the House in 2021 with support of a narrow majority of Republicans, including nowSpeaker Kevin McCarthy.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS: Extending the new $35-a-month insulin price cap from Medicare to other health plans has been opposed in the past by the GOP, but there are bipartisan efforts in the Senate, where Susan Collins and Josh Hawley are among the Republicans who have proposed versions of a price cap.

RAIL SAFETY: The White House and lawmakers in both parties have been sparring over the recent train derailment and the emergency response in East Palestine, Ohio. But legislation could ensue. Republican Rep. Bill Johnson said a House subcommittee will analyze the derailment and look at what needs to be done, while the Biden administration has also called for legislation to improve the safety of trains, particularly when they are carrying hazardous materials.

‘JUNK FEES’: Commerce Chair Maria Cantwell is among the Senate Democrats who want to write bipartisan legislation on so-called “junk fees.” The idea is to make pricing of such products as airline tickets more transparent and less aggravating for consumers, though ranking Republican Ted Cruz is wary of Democratic moves to re-regulate the airlines. Republican John Hoeven, however, said he sees making airline travel better at the top of the list of bipartisan possibilities.

PERMITTING: Senate Energy Chair Joe Manchin, and House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers are among the lawmakers who want to streamline federal permitting reviews that routinely snarl big projects. Speeding permits for oil and gas production, pipelines, renewable projects, grid connections and mines for critical minerals has bipartisan support.

COCAINE SENTENCES: Bipartisan legislation would eliminate the gap in sentences between crack and powder cocaine. A bill sponsored by the new Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries passed the House in the past Congress with strong bipartisan support — including from McCarthy — before bogging down in the Senate, where Booker has the lead.

HOUSING: Crafting bipartisan action to bolster affordable housing is a priority for Senate Banking Chair Sherrod Brown this year, as well as ranking Republican Tim Scott of South Carolina. At a recent hearing, Scott called for “encouraging private investment in the housing sector and eliminating needless barriers that artificially restrict supply.” Brown bemoaned rising rents, a shortage of homes to buy and higher interest rates.