An unusual Senate coalition of liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans has mustered enough votes to block a massive energy bill--at least for the time being. In a procedural vote on Nov. 21, proponents of the $30-billion-plus measure fell two votes short of the 60 they needed to cut off debate, effectively barring passage.
The outcome was a defeat for President Bush, who supported the energy measure, and Senate energy committee Chairman Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), who drafted much of the legislation.