Reid calls for sweeping energy bill (Politico)

[jefferson_dem]

Reid calls for sweeping energy bill

Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is calling on the Senate's key committee chairmen to come up with a comprehensive energy strategy by July 4, accelerating the push for legislation in wake of the worst oil spill in American history.

Reid demanded "swift" action from Democrats “to address both the existing situation and to reduce the risks of such a catastrophe happening again.”

"It is extremely important that you each examine what could be included in a comprehensive energy bill that would address the

unfolding disaster in the Gulf of Mexico," Reid wrote to chairmen who oversee the nation's energy policies. "The economic, social and environmental devastation occurring there now due to the oil pollution is unprecedented."

Chairmen Max Baucus, Jeff Bingaman, Barbara Boxer, Chris Dodd, Patrick Leahy, Joe Lieberman, Blanche Lincoln and Jay Rockefeller all received the majority leader's letter and have been asked to contribute their ideas to developing a blue print for a comprehensive bill.

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