Monday, July 11, 2011

BULB Act Scheduled For Vote

The Better Use of Light Bulbs Act (HR 2417) is apparently scheduled for a vote today. The BULB Act would repeal part of a 2007 bill that bans the traditional incandescent bulb. This eventual ban (due to start taking effect next year) has been a flashpoint for many on the right and center.

However, this vote could face some troubles. As The Hill notes,
The BULB Act will be considered under a suspension of House rules, which means it will require support from two-thirds of voting members. This bill has the possibility of failing today: Republicans have already brought up a few suspension bills that have failed due to lack of support from Democrats.
If all members vote and all Republicans vote in favor of the BULB Act (a big if), BULB Act allies would probably need at least 50 Democrats in order to pass this legislation. With many Blue Dogs and somewhat moderate Democrats purged in the 2010 midterms, finding 50 might be a challenging enterprise.

UPDATE: House has adjourned: HR 2417 will be taken up later.