day by the House , although a final vote on that bill is not expected before the end of the week . Democrats oppose Republican measures to lift bans on offshore drilling and oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve . See how gas prices have risen across the country '' Republicans say the process would not be fair unless they can offer all of their amendments . Sen. Robert Menendez , a New Jersey Democrat , accused the Republicans of wanting to score political points rather than pass legislation . `` The problem with our Republican colleagues is that they want to debate , not act . ... Even when they are offered what they want , they say no . '' Menendez suggested there was bipartisan support for measures meant to limit speculation , encourage conservation and provide tax credits for renewable energy . `` Why would you not move forward on the items that you have consensus ? '' he asked . The disagreement between Republicans and Democrats could result in Congress leaving Washington for its monthlong recess in August without passing any measures to lower gas prices , which are averaging above $ 4 a
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Senate voted Wednesday to move forward on a bill meant to crack down on oil speculators . Democrats say speculation in oil futures is a significant reason why oil prices have risen this year . But Republicans vowed to block the Senate from taking up any other measure until the Democratic leadership agrees to vote on other energy-related issues . Republicans want to offer up to 28 amendments to the bill on a wide range of energy topics , including increasing domestic oil production . The Democrats want to limit them to two amendments . `` This is not some arcane subject ; this is the biggest issue in the country , '' said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Kentucky . `` It 's on the floor now . We say , let 's deal with it . We 're not afraid to vote on their amendments , they should n't be afraid to vote on ours . Let the Senate work its will on the No. 1 issue in the country . '' The Republicans said they would not prevent the Senate from taking up the housing bill passed earlier in the