Politics

Smoke and Mirrors on the House Floor

Week after week, the Democratic leadership continues their rhetoric on change and the need for affordable energy, yet the legislation that was passed last night is nothing more than a sham bill on display for political gains. There are no new refineries included in their bill, no nuclear energy, no clean coal, no drilling in ANWR, and, if you read the fine print, no domestic exploration in the Outer Continental Shelf for additional drilling. In addition, the bill includes $19 billion in energy tax hikes on American consumers, manufacturers and small businesses.

Last night, Republicans offered as, in effect, a bipartisan amendment to be included in the Democrats ?Energy? bill. The package, introduced by Representatives Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) and John Peterson (R-PA), would include coal, nuclear, coal-to-liquids, additional drilling in the outer continental shelf, and support for new ways to power automobiles. The Abercrombie-Peterson amendment had vast support from both sides of the aisle, with 39 Democrat cosponsors and 13 additional Democrat votes, yet Speaker Pelosi would not allow it to pass.

Republican Members have done everything possible to force their voices to be heard by the Majority, but all we have gotten are turned backs. Instead of debating this legislation, and honoring the ?open and honest? Congress that she promised, Speaker Pelosi decided to craft her 290-page energy bill behind closed doors in her office, with no say from any Members of Congress.

Speaker Pelosi and her followers are taking Americans for a fool with this sham bill. The motives behind passing this ?energy? legislation are abhorrent; Congress owes it to hardworking Americans to implement real energy solutions before Congress adjourns.- Mike

Full post as published by Mike Conaway's Blog on September 17, 2008 (boomark / email).