(The Politico) The Senate voted 94-0 Tuesday to take up a bill to reign in speculation in energy markets, although the path forward on the bill and on the larger issue of skyrocketing gas prices remains unclear.

As of noon on Tuesday,  the two sides had not reached an agreement on what amendments to include on the bill, which could threaten GOP support for the measure.

Republicans have been pushing an energy package that includes opening up the Outer Continental Shelf and other domestic drilling initiatives, while Democrats are rallying around a package from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman.

Reid and Bingaman were expected to unveil their package on Thursday afternoon. However, Democrats have so far refused to embrace increased domestic drilling, instead focusing on alternative energy sources.

Seeking to avoid potentially tough votes on oil drilling, Democrats have been pushing limiting amendments on the speculation bill to include only one Republican and one Democratic proposal.

“In my view that would be enough,” said Florida Republican Sen. Mel Martinez.

Martinez said he could support; “anything that expands the debate beyond the issue of speculation.”

Copyright 2008 POLITICO

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