WASHINGTON- U.S. Senate Democrats on Monday said they will delay introducing a climate change bill for a few weeks and set a goal of unveiling legislation later in September.

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry announced the delay.

They had intended to introduce the bill next week when the Senate returns from a monthlong recess. The delay, they said, is related to the Senate's focus on healthcare legislation, as well as the death of Senator Edward Kennedy and hip surgery Kerry had this month.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Doina Chiacu)

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