Republicans to delay US climate bill

WASHINGTON: All seven Republicans on the US Senate Environment and Public Works Committee plan to boycott this week's work session on a climate-change bill, an aide said on Saturday, in a move aimed at thwarting Democratic efforts to advance the legislation quickly.

"Republicans will be forced not to show up" at tomorrow's work session, said Matt Dempsey, a spokesman for Republican senators on the environment panel.

Under committee rules, at least two Republicans are needed for Chairwoman Barbara Boxer to hold the work sessions that would give senators an opportunity to amend the controversial legislation and then vote to approve it in the panel - controlled by President Barack Obama's fellow Democrats.