The Senate will vote on conference reports for higher education and consumer products bills Thursday night, even though the chamber has stalled on the energy debate.

The two measures are privileged under Senate rules and will not affect the oil market speculation bill, which is currently on the floor. Republicans have maintained that they will prevent Democrats from moving to any other legislation that would not reduce gas prices.

Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) led the debate for Democrats on the floor, and indicated that Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) approved. Kennedy is away from the Senate while being treated for a brain tumor.

“I’ve been in touch with Sen. Kennedy on a regular basis,” Mikulski said.