US energy bill stalls in Senate,new attempt vowed for 2004

摘要

After months of work by congressional and industry backers,the omnibus energy bill stumbled just short of the finish line,thanks to a plankrelated to the gasoline additive,MTBE.By a 57-40 vote,senators failed to invoke cloture (the procedure to end debate and force a final vote)on the bill,block it from final consideration.