John Kerry: “Despite my vote for the energy bill, I believe that the Senate has fallen far short of crafting a sound energy policy…”

“Despite my vote for the energy bill, I believe that the Senate has fallen far short of crafting a sound energy policy for this nation. The Senate did not enact a national energy policy today. I should add that the House and President has failed at that task, as well. Why then am I voting for the Senate bill? Because the Senate bill is far better than the President's plan or the House bill. It is critically important that the Senate have a voice in this discussion and put forward its work. After 17 years in the Senate, I can see from this debate, that while the bill we passed today falls far short of what the Nation needs, it is simply the most the political system can bear right now. The fundamental changes we need were resisted and ultimately defeated by the special interests that benefit from the status quo. And while it may be too much to ask, I hold out hope that the bill can be improved in the conference process. If it is not improved, I do not believe I will be able to support the conference report.”