The Democratic energy plan included a number of tax breaks, including one to encourage oil and gas companies to produce during slumps in the market. Graham (DFL), with the backing of Progressives, argued such a tax break should be offset with spending cuts or tax increases, to prevent it from eventually being paid for out of Social Security. Nickles (R-OK) brought a motion to table (kill) this amendment, a motion Progressives opposed. The motion passed, 73-26.