Freedom Act Passes the Senate

Senator Boxer began discussion of the Freedom Act, citing that the bill successfully promotes the research and development of other types of energy, especially promoting clean and renewable energy sources. Senator Boxer remarked that she does not personally support the provisions to fund the creation of nuclear facilities, but that an agreement had been reached within committee and that she was prepared to respect the agreement.

Senator Inhofe countered, thanking Senator Boxer and the EPW committee. Inhofe proposed support for the bill and yielded her time to Senator Bond.

Senator Bond drew attention to section four which promotes research in hybrid technologies, especially focusing upon her experience at a recent celebration at the Ford Motors production facilities marking the production of the 100,000th hybrid vehicle made by Ford.

Senator Alexander applauded the Freedom Act's incentives for renewable energy, citing that it was in the best interest of the American people. He responded to Senator Boxer's concerns regarding nuclear power, saying that the bill does nothing to make nuclear power more dangerous or more vulnerable to attacks. Rather, the Freedom Act encourages the production of safer, cleaner and more efficient types of energy.

Senator Bingaman supported the bill saying that the "United States needs it right now."

Roll Call voting commenced, passing 28-2. The nays came from Senator Cornyn and Senator Kyl.

After the bill passed, Senator Kyl and Cornyn made motion to recommit. They voiced their concerns with the legislation citing that in a time of economic crisis it is not in the country's best interest to throw money at a number of different initiatives.

Democratic supporters of the bill pointed out that this bill took a great deal of time to come out of committee and that the deliberation had yielded the best and most bipartisan legislation possible.

Senator Specter and Inhofe pleaded that the Senate vote against the motion to recommit, as the bill is both bipartisan and in the interest of the United States

Roll Call Voting commenced on the consideration to recommit to committee and the motion was denied 2-30.