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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) who, along with Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), authored S. 1733, the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, today released the following statement on the passage of their legislation out of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW):

"Congratulations to Chairman Barbara Boxer who this morning advanced landmark legislation out of her committee. She did so under the toughest of circumstances, after months of meetings, deliberations, and vigorous debate. This wasn't easy, but her commitment was resolute. Today's step in the process sends a clear message to the world that the United States is serious about tackling climate change and securing our clean energy future.

"Working with the leaders of five other committees, building support from Democrats and Republicans across the ideological spectrum, the hard work continues on the path to 60 votes in the Senate under the leadership of Majority Leader Reid. We should remember that the 2008 Republican presidential nominee called for strong, mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions, and Sen. Lindsey Graham has joined us in this year's fight. We can rediscover bi-partisan progress once again. Chairman Boxer and I are determined to see this Congress pass a strong climate bill for the President to sign. This is and has always been a big lift, but heading into Copenhagen, we have momentum on our side."