Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Vote on Energy Bill Ends GOP Filibuster

The Senate moved toward passage of a comprehensive energy bill by voting down a Republican-sponsored amendment that would have opened an Alaska wildlife refuge to oil drilling. The 90-5 vote ended a Republican filibuster to clear the way for action on legislation intended to guide the nation’s energy policy into the next century. Still ahead are fights over parts of the bill that aim to lessen dependence on imported oil by encouraging development of alternative fuels, increasing use of nuclear power and promoting efficiency in appliances.