Energy and climate-change bill narrowly wins a test vote in House
The proposal would create an unprecedented framework for capping carbon emissions and institute new renewable energy standards. A final vote could come later today.
By James Oliphant
11:31 AM PDT, June 26, 2009
Reporting from Washington -- A preliminary House vote on a far-reaching energy bill today demonstrated that Democratic leaders have narrow control over legislation that they hope to pass later today.
Republicans complained about being shut out of the opportunity to amend the massive 1,200-page measure.
Late Thursday night, House leaders decided to permit just two amendments to be included as part of the final package. That move was endorsed in a tight 217-205 vote today - an indication of the bill's course.
The House is debating a sweeping energy and climate-change bill expected to produce as close a vote as the chamber has seen.
The bill, aggressively backed by the White House and Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill, would create an unprecedented framework for capping carbon emissions from polluters and institute new renewable energy standards.
Even as a possible final vote on the bill neared this afternoon, the Obama administration and House Democratic managers still were rounding up and counting votes.
The bill will need something in the neighborhood of 218 votes for passage. Several Democrats in the House, largely from rural and coal-producing states, already have declared that they will not support the legislation.
Republicans maintain that the bill will drive up gas and electricity prices and damage the nation's competitiveness globally.
"This is a massive energy tax on the backs of the American people," said Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.)
Democrats argue that the bill will boost the economy, creating more than 1 million new "green" jobs. It would also represent a crucial first step in combating global warming, they say.
"Climate change is the defining environmental challenge of our time," said Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.)
If the bill passes, it would go to the Senate for consideration and likely some extensive modification.
A vote could come around 6 p.m. EDT. |
