Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , D-Nev., has agreed to bring up global warming legislation after the Memorial Day recess, setting the stage for a floor battle that could influence the November elections.

Barbara Boxer , D-Calif., who chairs the Environment and Public Works Committee, said Wednesday that Reid will take up the bill after the Senate returns June 2.

The Senate would need 60 votes to overcome any filibuster against a motion to proceed to consideration of the bill. Some observers believe that opponents of the measure might agree to its consideration because it could be politically difficult to block at the outset.

If the bill does make it to the floor, Boxer warned Democrats would not accept any amendments that “weakened” the legislation. If that happens, Democrats will wait until next year when the political climate is likely to be more favorable.

“If this isn’t a good bill, it isn’t going to happen,” Boxer said at a news conference. “Looking ahead, we’re going to have a stronger Congress and a stronger president on this issue.”

Even if it fails this year, the bill will be fodder for the congressional elections in November. Boxer said senators who vote to weaken the bill will be “held accountable” in the elections, even if they are Democrats.

The bill would impose a cap on greenhouse gas emissions and set up a market-based trading program for businesses to meet the cap. It was approved by Boxer’s committee in December on a largely party-line vote. The lone Republican to support it was John W. Warner of Virginia, who sponsored the legislation with Joseph I. Lieberman , I-Conn. Opponents of the bill say it would cost too much and does not ensure that China, India and other developing countries would agree to limit their own emissions.