In an effort to halt delays and proceed to debating amendments to the Climate Security Act (S.3036), 48 Senators today voted “yes” and six additional Senators not present - including both Senator Obama and Senator McCain - submitted written statements of support.

While not sufficient to invoke “cloture,” the only procedure by which the Senate can vote to place a time limit on consideration of a bill or other matter and thereby overcome a filibuster, the 54 Senators who supported moving forward exceeded the expectations of supporters of the legislation. Seven Republicans joined the 39 Democrats and 2 Independents voting in favor of cloture. Only 36 Senators, including four Democrats, voted to reject cloture.

Attention on climate change now moves to the House of Representatives. John Dingell, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced yesterday that the subcommittee chaired by Rick Boucher, would begin hearings on climate legislation, including the Climate Security Act that had been the subject of Senate debate.

The fall presidential campaign will serve as a forum for debating climate policy and energy security and for setting parameters for action in the new Congress next year.

For further information about this topic, please contact Akin Gump.