President Obama met with Sen. Kerry and others at the White House on Tuesday.
While the Obama administration continues to push funding for clean energy jobs, from high speed rail to solar energy and job training programs, the president himself has also interjected himself into the legislative battle heating up in the Senate.
Yesterday Obama made himself a principle, inviting 14 members of the upper chamber, including the tri-partisan group of Senators John Kerry, Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham, up to the White House for a meeting to assess the status of legislation.
According to Politico, the president was clear about his goal of a comprehensive bill.
In opening remarks, according to Senators in attendance, President Obama took the idea of an energy-only bill – the preferred approach of moderate Democrats – off the table, saying he wanted a “comprehensive” bill that includes a cap on greenhouse gas emissions.
Obama also made it known that he wants the bill done this year.
Graham reiterated his earlier statements that he would only back comprehensive legislation, with the same colorful language, a stance he was happy the president took.
“I’m not going to support some half-assed reform,” he exclaimed.”
The meeting was bi-partisan, including Maine Senator Susan Collins, Judd Gregg of New Hampshire and Richard Lugar of Indiana. Even Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski, author of the Dirty Air Act, was present.
According to news accounts, the meeting was extremely positive – Murkowski said it was a dialogue, not arm twisting – and Kerry plans a series of meetings next week.
Also at the meeting from the Obama administration were Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, top White House climate advisor Carol Browner and top economic advisor Larry Summers.
Graham has said he would like to have a proposal out before the Senate heads to Easter break, meaning that we could be pretty close. Having 14 Senators meeting in a positive light with the president can only serve to help the momentum.
