The Missouri Senate's first day of the special session was stalled by an unexpected rule change proposed by Republicans.

Legislators returned to Jefferson City Wednesday morning to continue efforts to redraw the state’s congressional maps.

The second day of the Senate session in Harrisburg ended with no budget deal and no public debate on the issue, as Pennsylvania lawmakers remain without a decision more than two months past the state’s budget deadline.

Costs for the special session are likely to reach or exceed $180,000 due mostly to the per diem pay Oregon lawmakers receive during the delay. While Oregon’s 60 House members get paid for every floor session, the state’s 30 senators get paid every day of a session – including the days they’re on break.

A package of proposals focuses on energy, oil and climate issues, with the goal of lowering costs for Californians. One of the measures, Senate Bill 237, addresses oil production as the Valero refinery in Benicia prepares to close next year.

A tense debate in the Mexican Senate erupted into a fight Wednesday between two of the chamber's top politicians. Senator Alejandro Moreno of the opposition PRI grabbed Senate President Gerardo Fernández Noroña,

Pennsylvania’s state Senate is set to return to Harrisburg Monday afternoon, but with no agreed-upon solution for a state budget impasse that is already 10 weeks old, Harrisburg politicos say not to expect much more than a business-as-usual legislative session.