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GOP Senators Block Bill on Climate Change

It will likely be pulled until next year

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 6, 2008 10:23 AM CDT

(Newser) – Republican senators blocked a landmark climate change bill today in a filibuster, making it likely that the carbon-capping legislation will be shelved until next year. After a debate over the economic costs of the bill—which would cut CO2 emissions by 71% by 2050—the Senate came up a dozen votes short of the number needed to end the filibuster, the AP reports.

“It’s a huge tax increase,” said the GOP's Mitch McConnel, who called it “the largest restructuring of the American economy since the New Deal.” An angered Barbara Boxer, one of the co-sponsors, insisted, “There is no tax increase.” Neither presidential candidate was in the chamber.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., left, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., right.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., left, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., right.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., right, gestures while talking with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., right, gestures while talking with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky.   (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., center, and Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., right, talk as Sen. John Warner, R-Va., left, speaks during a news conference to discuss the environment and climate change.
Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., center, and Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., right, talk as Sen. John Warner, R-Va., left, speaks during a news conference to discuss the environment and climate change.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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