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US Senate puts brakes on USD 32 billion Energy Bill
Washington, Nov 23: The US Senate has stalled a 32-billion-dollar Energy Bill which Republican backers say would bolster a creaky power grid and cut US dependence on foreign oil.
Washington, Nov 23: The US Senate has stalled a 32-billion-dollar Energy Bill which Republican backers say would bolster a creaky power grid and cut US dependence on
foreign oil.
Democrats and environmentalists said the Bill was rife with corporate giveaways and would bar lawsuits against makers of a gasoline additive that has tainted US groundwater.
The Lower House of Representatives approved the Bill by a largely party-line vote of 246-180 Tuesday, the first step toward passage of an energy policy initiated by President George W Bush two years ago.
The Senate voted 57-40 to end debate on the Bill - three votes short of the 60 votes needed. Six Republicans voted against ending the move to force a final vote.
Republican Senate majority leader Bill Frist said he would try again for a final vote on the Bill before the Senate adjourns for the year in a few days.
Despite its flaws, the measure is a "good bill, a balanced bill, and it will make Americans more energy secure," Frist said.
Bureau Report
Democrats and environmentalists said the Bill was rife with corporate giveaways and would bar lawsuits against makers of a gasoline additive that has tainted US groundwater.
The Lower House of Representatives approved the Bill by a largely party-line vote of 246-180 Tuesday, the first step toward passage of an energy policy initiated by President George W Bush two years ago.
The Senate voted 57-40 to end debate on the Bill - three votes short of the 60 votes needed. Six Republicans voted against ending the move to force a final vote.
Republican Senate majority leader Bill Frist said he would try again for a final vote on the Bill before the Senate adjourns for the year in a few days.
Despite its flaws, the measure is a "good bill, a balanced bill, and it will make Americans more energy secure," Frist said.
Bureau Report