1.  What is the purpose of the energy bill passed by the Democrat-led Congress yesterday?

2.  a) What will the bill require auto makers to do by 2020?
b)  How do you think auto makers will change vehicles to meet the new standards?
c)  Do you think that the changes will compromise the safety of the vehicles?

3.  For what reasons did the auto industry say it was opposed to the fuel-efficiency increase?

4.  Why did some Republican congressmen criticize the bill?

5.  What additional requirements are included in the bill?

6.  Why did many Democrats approve the bill "grudgingly?"

7.  Who is the majority party in the Senate?
b)  How do you think the Republicans were able to block additional provisions to the bill that the Democrats wanted?

8.  How did the Senators from your state vote?  Do you agree with their votes?  Explain your answer.