Senate Talks Break Down On Energy Compromise

By Daniel W. Reilly

(The Politico)  Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin tamped down any talk of a pending compromise on energy legislation Tuesday afternoon, saying he has temporary suspended talks with his Republican counterparts on how to proceed on the issue.

While the Senate voted 94-0 to take up a bill to curb speculation in oil markets earlier in the day, Durbin said talks with Republicans have been temporarily suspended over a disagreement on the number of amendments to offer on the bill.

Durbin said Republicans are purposefully trying to offer dozens of amendments in order to “drag out” debate on the issue.

“What they want is not a debate that ends in a vote,” said Durbin. “What they want is a debate that never ends.”

Democrats had signaled a willingness to allow one Republican and one Democratic amendment to the oil speculation bill, however, as of 1pm Tuesday the two sides did not appear close to a deal. 

A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said talks were still ongoing.
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