Barton (R-TX) ...took the unusual step of holding a marathon bill-writing

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session.
The jaugernaut keeps on rolling while Bill Bennet distractions come to the fore!!


http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/0929-10.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 29, 2005
11:11 AM


CONTACT: Clean Air Watch
Frank O'Donnell, 202-558-3527 or 202-302-2065

Clean Air Watch Warns House Energy Bill Is Biggest Clean Air Act Weakening in History


NEW YORK - September 29 - The non-profit Clean Air Watch today warned that energy legislation approved early this morning by a House of Representatives committee "would be the biggest weakening of the Clean Air Act in history."

Just after midnight, following a largely partisan debate, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved legislation allegedly designed to increase the capacity of oil refineries in the wake of recent hurricanes.

But Frank O'Donnell, president of Clean Air Watch, noted the legislation includes many provisions that have no connection at all to gas prices. The bill, slated to come before the full House of Representatives next week, would "blow gaping loopholes in the Clean Air Act," O'Donnell noted.

Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) noted he took the unusual step of holding a marathon bill-writing session without a prior hearing because he was prodded by the House Republican leadership to bypass normal procedures. The leadership -- roiled yesterday by the indictment of Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas) -- reportedly has been concerned about public anger over high gasoline prices.

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1. "blow gaping loopholes in the Clean Air Act,"