Signs point to climate, energy legislation rollout without Graham

Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) appear to be
heading toward a climate and energy bill unveiling as soon as next week
without co-author Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

Lieberman opened the door to the prospect Tuesday night.

Now, Bloomberg reports that “New legislation to limit U.S. greenhouse gas emissions will be released without the support of the Republican lawmaker who helped write the measure, Senator Joseph Lieberman said today.”

Lieberman told reporters that “we can’t wait any longer,” their story states.  A Senate source tells The Hill that “although Senator Graham may not be present at the press conference, the understanding is that he still supports the bill.”

Graham last month suspended his backing for trying to advance the measure through the Senate.

Graham is furious that Democratic leaders plan to push immigration legislation this year, claiming it will spark a divisive political battle that will sink prospects for the climate and energy measure.