N-Bill: Stalemate on Senate debate timing

The Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement now seems to be stuck up in the Senate because of sharp differences between Republicans and Democrats on the timing of the debate and amendments to the Bill. Both the political parties are now blaming each other for the delay.

A late night effort on Tuesday by Senate Majority leader, Bill Frist, to reach a unanimous consent proposal for consideration of the Bill fell flat as the Republicans and the Democrats could not arrive at a 8220;consensus8221; on how much time the Senate needs to discuss the Bill and how many amendments can be carried.

Observers say this could prove costly as only four working days are left before the Senate to discuss it.