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Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) told reporters today that the United States and Europe could limit the flow of foreign goods from India and China if the countries don't agree to start reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

"I think Europeans and Americans are aware of those tools but acknowledge the focus is not to get to a place where they have to be entertained," he said.

The Senate is scheduled to hold a cloture vote on the Lieberman Warner global warming bill next week. The bill is based on an emissions cap and trade program.

A provision would require importers to purchase carbon credits at the nation's border, preventing competition loss for U.S. companies and pushing dirtier countries to begin monitoring their own emissions.

But interest groups still question whether developing countries will actually respond to the regulation.

Kerry said that former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Shell Oil executive Marvin Odum have both told him that they believe that China and India will begin working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions if the United States takes the lead by passing comprehensive climate change legislation.

"[They] are convinced that China and India will follow in very near term and won't become engaged unless the U.S. takes the lead," Kerry said.

The senator plans to introduce several amendments to the bill during floor debate next week, including one on ocean acidification.

It is still unclear whether Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) will be able to roust up the 60 votes needed to prevent a filibuster.

Fence-sitting senators are expected to spend the Memorial Day break becoming familiar with the final version, which Democrats hope will be free of some of the amendments that are being floated on the Hill.

"We would expect some very hostile amendments here and there," Kerry said. "That's going to be part of the give and take of the bill. We look forward to debating some of those amendments."