House Passes Energy Bill

The House overwhelmingly passed an energy bill this afternoon as the lawmakers raced to wrap up their business before leaving for their August break.

The 275-to-156 House vote sends the energy bill to the Senate, which is likely to pass it on Friday. Two hundred House Republicans voted for the energy measure, as did 75 Democrats. Opposing the bill were 31 Republicans, 124 Democrats and an independent.

The White House praised the negotiators from both chambers who put together the energy package. “This legislation will help us reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy and help address the root causes that have led to high energy prices,” said President Bush’s chief spokesman, Scott McClellan. The president has said he is eager to sign the bill.

Critics of the bill say it gives too many breaks to energy companies and does little or nothing to lower higher gasoline prices, at least in the short term. Referring to the gasoline prices, Mr. McClellan said, “We didn’t get into this overnight, and we’re not going to get out of it overnight.”
New York Times