NAT GAS ACT Failed

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate voted 51-47 to add the Senate version of the NAT GAS Act as an amendment to the Transportation Bill (Amendment #1782).  The amendment was offered by Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).  Yesterday, Sen. Burr spoke in favor of the NAT GAS Act for 50 minutes on the floor of the Senate.  Despite the amendment receiving 51 votes in support, 60 votes were required for it to pass, so the amendment failed.  Among the yeas votes were 45 Democrats and 6 Republicans.  Among the nays votes were 39 Republicans, 7 Democrats and 1 independent. Two Senators were not present, one of which was Sen. Orrin Hatch, a supporter of NGVs (who was in Utah for a primary on Thursday).