House OKs Broad Energy Bill, Senate Acts Next

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=578&ncid=578&e=9&u=/nm/20031118/ts_nm/energy_congress_dc



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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a broad energy bill laden with about $23.5 billion in tax breaks, sending the first major energy policy rewrite in a decade to the Senate for final approval.



The bill easily passed the Republican-controlled House by a vote of 246-180, with about four dozen Democrats crossing over to support the legislation.


The energy bill, written mostly by Republicans behind closed doors, was cleared by a congressional negotiating committee late on Monday.


Passage of the energy bill is a top White House priority, even though the legislation does not include the White House's plan to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.


The Bush administration and Republican leaders said the energy projects supported in the bill, including an Alaskan natural gas pipeline, would create jobs and help boost the U.S. economy.


"This bill will deliver nearly 1 million new jobs as we update and upgrade our energy infrastructure," said House Speaker Dennis Hastert.


The true test of the bill's fate will be in the Senate, where some Democrats have threatened to filibuster the legislation when it is brought to the floor for a final vote as early as Wednesday.


Republicans hope the bill's boost in corn-based ethanol production will persuade Senate Democrats -- who oppose many other sections of the bill -- to support the legislation.


Ethanol is a politically sensitive issue in Midwestern states, and the Iowa caucus, one of the earliest barometers of voter preference in the presidential election process, will be held on Jan. 19.

I thought the Bible railed against bribery?

Blessed are the War-Mongers.

The Meek Shall be Ground into Feed Mash for the Dogs of the Rich

It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a poor man to get into Rich Man's Heaven...

the GOP to give Bush victories on Energy and Prescription Drugs. No wonder many people think there that there is no real opposition to Bush.

I think that the energy bill will probably pass comfortably. Byron Dorgan already voted for it and I suspect many more will when it actually reaches the floor. However, Chuch Schumer is threatening a filibuster and claims that he may have 3 or 4 republicans on his side. Prescription drugs seems more difficult for the republicans. Trent Lott has already indicated he will oppose it and Olympia Snowe says she may as well. Only 3 democratic senators seem to be ready to support it so it is hard to tell how many others will follow. The House will also be difficult for the republicans. Something like 40 conservatives seem poised to vote no and I don't know if enough democrats will vote yes for it to pass.