Senate Democrats Give Up on Climate Bill

[dtexdem]

'After almost a year of trying to build consensus, top Democrats on Thursday admitted that a sweeping climate and energy bill simply couldn't be done, faulting Republicans for being unwilling to contribute neither votes nor ideas toward forging a compromise. At a press conference on the Hill, climate crusader Sen. John Kerry called the prospect "admittedly narrow." Majority Leader Harry Reid followed with a frank conclusion: "We simply don't have the votes."'

'The plan had been to package climate with a "spill bill," a measure responding to lax regulation on offshore drilling and broader energy development. Harnessing the outrage and anger at the situation in the Gulf of the moment gave Democrats the biggest momentum in years. Climate advocate hoped that images of oil-soaked birds would be able to bring together at least 60 votes. But Republicans vowed to fillibuster anything that put a price on carbon. Every time Kerry and Reid went to count, they fell short.' . . .


Why the filibuster must be dumped. Why the nuclear option should be invoked. And more evidence of inadequate Senate Democratic spine.

Eight years of response to climate change were lost with the GOP theft of the 2000 presidential election; and now two more have been wasted by GOP obstruction and Dem lack of spine. Meanwhile, global warming pushes us further out on a limb that we seemingly can't stop from sawing into.

[Cant trust em]

1. I bet more people would be interested in immigration anyway.

Maybe it's just too politically toxic.

[blm]

3. yeah...like the earth can wait as it takes a back seat again to Schumer's ego.

.

[napi21]

2. I thik they're just being realistic. It's 100 daysor so from the election &

the Dems really HAVE acomplished a lot, but to try for another BIG BILL on Energy & cap & trade is unrealistic, especialy since they adjourn for the month of August! I feel fairly sure the Dems will retain control of both houses in Nov. and if I'm right, then they can push Cap & Trade, DADT and several other things on the agenda. Especially if there are several pubs who are lame ducks untilthe new Congress.

It's simply unrealistic to demand an energy bill right now.

[dtexdem]

6. Yeah, someone's drowning in the river, but the picnic starts in just a few minutes.

It's simply unrealistic to demand a rescue right now.

[napi21]

7. You're not going to DIE from global warming in 5 minutes, or

in a year either! You've got to pick your fights and timing is everything. I read several comments on different web sites that Obama really wanted to do DADT & the energy bill THIS YEAR, but HC took much longer than he expected & the Fin. bill wasn't exactly cake walk as I would have expected. It would be great if all the major problems could befixed right now, but in the real world, that just doesn't happen!

[fascisthunter]

4. yes... let's put off dealing with doing what is vital to the human race

we need to keep that steady stream of cash flowing, that's priority! :sarcasm:

[ProSense]

5. Kerry doesn't seem to agree

Details of his interview here.