Cochran, Wicker break party ranks with ethanol vote

Cochran, Wicker break party ranks with ethanol vote

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate came close to ending the taxpayer subsidy for ethanol Tuesday, with a majority of Republicans voting in favor of a procedural motion — except for a handful of GOP lawmakers, including both of Mississippi’s U.S. senators, who joined most Democrats in opposing the move.

The motion to invoke cloture — stop debate — was defeated 59-40, but chief sponsor Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., held out hope he would prevail next week when another vote is expected on the same issue.

Mississippi GOP U.S. Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker were among 13 Republicans who voted against the move.

Sun Herald
6/15/11