Posted by
Stefano on Friday, July 25, 2008 1:47:41 AM
Senator Pinky Reid (D-Nev) has had an oil drilling blockade in place for well over a month, thwarting all GOP attempts to force a vote on opening offshore, eastern Gulf of Mexico and ANWR drilling. His attempt to run out the clock until the August recess has finally been met with what hopefully is an equally powerful blockade declared by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. According to THE HILL ,
"McConnell (R-Ky.) said bills that do not pertain to energy can wait until after the August recess, with gas prices now surpassing $4 per gallon. He and top Republicans indicated Wednesday they would oppose any procedural votes to take up other legislation, which require 60 votes to succeed."
McConnell was Quoted as saying:
“We think there is nothing more important that we can do right now than to deal with the Number One issue of the country. This is the biggest issue since terrorism right after 9/11. People are pounding on their desks, saying, Why don’t these people get together and do something about this problem?”
If a vote can be forced, "blue dog" Democrats might join with the minority and approve drilling in previously out of bounds areas. That would be great news. It's also great news that the GOP is showing some willingness to step forward and be counted on this issue. It probably wouldn't hurt to give your local senators and congressman a little nudge by phone in the next couple of days.
Article in The Hill: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/senate-gop-hands-dems-oil-ultimatum-2008-07-23.html
Let Freedom Ring Blog: http://www.letfreedomringblog.com/?p=2983