With gas prices continuing to rise and the November elections approaching, Senate Democrats and Republicans embraced the opportunity this week to square off on energy policy.
Democrats initially expected to fall short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a procedural hurdle, but many Republicans sided with the majority in a 92-4 vote that paves the way for debate on a Democratic measure that would repeal tax breaks for the five biggest oil companies and extend 19 renewable energy tax subsidies. Despite the about-face from Republicans, the debate will likely be contentious and attract a raft of amendments, including proposals designed to score political points.
The Senate is still unlikely to pass the bill, but both sides feel they have winning energy arguments that will resonate with voters, who are paying an average of almost $4 a gallon at the pump.
Democrats expect the debate will help them to highlight the theme that their polices favor the middle class, which they argue has gotten short shrift under the tax regime enacted during the George W. Bush administration.
Read more: http://www.rollcall.com/issues/57_116/Senate-Agrees-to-Debate-Energy-Policy-213425-1.html?pos=htmbtxt
Democrats initially expected to fall short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a procedural hurdle, but many Republicans sided with the majority in a 92-4 vote that paves the way for debate on a Democratic measure that would repeal tax breaks for the five biggest oil companies and extend 19 renewable energy tax subsidies. Despite the about-face from Republicans, the debate will likely be contentious and attract a raft of amendments, including proposals designed to score political points.
The Senate is still unlikely to pass the bill, but both sides feel they have winning energy arguments that will resonate with voters, who are paying an average of almost $4 a gallon at the pump.
Democrats expect the debate will help them to highlight the theme that their polices favor the middle class, which they argue has gotten short shrift under the tax regime enacted during the George W. Bush administration.
Read more: http://www.rollcall.com/issues/57_116/Senate-Agrees-to-Debate-Energy-Policy-213425-1.html?pos=htmbtxt
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