Reid touts energy bill compromise

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Wednesday lauded a compromise on the energy bill that Democrats hope will attract enough Republican support to clear the 60-vote threshold necessary for passage.

“Republicans oppose a national standard for utilities to supply clean, renewable electricity that would reduce the cost of our natural gas and electricity bills by as much as $18 billion and create many new jobs,” Reid said. “We are reluctantly removing that provision, as well as making several changes to the energy tax provisions, in the genuine pursuit of progress.”

{mosads}Reid said the Democrats’ offer to compromise “is an opportunity for Republicans to stand with Americans who are paying more than ever at the pump, instead of with the big oil companies who are raking in record profits.”

The Democratic leader said he is hopeful that the revamped bill can get enough support to pass the Senate.