The Senate failed to move forward Wednesday on legislation to revive or extend a series of popular tax breaks, as Republicans continued a blockade designed to force floor votes on their proposals to increase domestic oil and gas production.

By 51-43, the Senate failed to end debate on a motion to call up the bill, nine short of the 60 votes needed.

Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the Senate would remain on the motion to proceed to the tax legislation despite the failed attempt to limit debate. The next move, he said, is up to Republicans.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., the sponsor of the package, indicated further action may have to wait until after the August recess.

“I’ll keep fighting for these priorities and working to find a way forward. I hope senators will answer the call in September, and work together for jobs, energy, and American families,” he said in a written statement.

Republicans support extension of the tax breaks, but they have been voting against almost every attempt Reid has made to bring up legislation unrelated to energy. They have demanded a chance to offer amendments of their own choosing to an energy speculation bill that has been stalled in a partisan standoff. GOP senators want to offer an array of amendments to open up new areas on land and offshore to oil and gas drilling. Reid has refused to budge.

Only five Republicans supported the cloture motion — Susan Collins and Olympia J. Snowe, both of Maine; Norm Coleman of Minnesota; Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina; and Gordon H. Smith of Oregon. All except Snowe face tough re-election fights in November.

Republicans, like their Democratic colleagues, support extension of the tax breaks for individuals and businesses, but object to the inclusion of revenue-raising offsets for extensions of existing tax provisions. They have, however, offered to offset new tax provisions and some other provisions in the package if those tax breaks are made permanent, rather than temporarily extended, GOP aides said.

Before the vote, the White House threatened to veto the measure.