Republicans Block Energy Bill, Forfeit A Keystone Vote

U.S. Senate Republicans on Monday blocked an energy-efficiency backed by both manufacturers and environmentalists, forfeiting a chance to vote on the long-delayed Keystone XL oil pipeline.

On a vote of 55-36. President Barack Obama's Democrats fell short of the needed 60 votes to advance the bipartisan energy bill. Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid had offered a vote on Keystone - if Republicans permitted passage of the bill.

(Reporting By Thomas Ferraro; Editing by Sandra Maler)