Budget talks hit snag over environmental issues, refugees

WASHINGTON (AP) — Talks on a massive, government-wide spending bill have hit a snag as Republicans press demands for policy provisions on the environment, regulation of the financial services industry and making it more difficult for Syrian and Iraqi refugees to enter the U.S.

The initial offer included provisions to block new Obama administration rules on power plant emissions, weaken the 2010 overhaul of financial regulations known as the Dodd-Frank law, and a contentious House-passed bill requiring greater scrutiny on Syrians seeking refuge in the U.S.

Neither Democrats nor Republicans would release the proposal, but a memorandum from House Democratic staff characterized it in broad strokes, citing "poison pill" riders on the environment, labor regulations, financial regulation and refugees — but not efforts to unravel President Barack Obama's signature health care law, which is being targeted in legislation currently being debated by the Senate.

House conservatives said Wednesday they would demand language in the spending bill at least as strong as legislation already passed by the House, with support from 47 Democrats, to greatly increase hurdles for Syrian and Iraqi refugees.