Washington • A popular program that supports conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the country expired after Congress could not agree on language to extend it.
Lawmakers from both parties back the Land and Water Conservation Fund, but the program lapsed Monday amid dispute over whether its renewal should be part of a broader package of land-use and parks bills.
A Senate committee approved a bill on Tuesday to permanently reauthorize the fund and ensure it is fully paid for.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted 16-7 to endorse a bill offered by Sen.