The U.S. Senate Republicans Thursday passed a new comprehensive energy bill after the Democrats stripped the controversial tax package from the bill.
The bill, blocked by 59-40 in Senate in the first voting, only one vote short in getting the 60 votes needed, was eventually approved by 86-8.
The Republicans voted against the bill at first for it included tax increases for oil companies.
Under a 21 billion U.S. dollar tax package, some 13.5 billion dollars in tax breaks for the five largest oil companies would be repealed to be used for tax incentives to promote renewable fuels and energy efficiency, according to the new energy bill.
Analysts said that the "Five Oil Bigs", namely Exxon Mobile, Chevron, Conoco Philips, Royal Dutch Shell PLC and BP PLC would be the hardest hit by the tax repeals.
Republican leader Mitch McConnell said earlier the Democrats knew the bill connected with tax packages would never be signed into law because of the president's opposition.
The White House has voiced a veto threat. "Their proposal would raise taxes and increase energy prices for Americans," said the White House in a statement issued last week.
"That is a misguided approach and if it made it to the President's desk, he would veto it," it added.
Source: Xinhua
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