Senate GOP issues ultimatum to expand oil drilling

[babylonsister]

Senate GOP issues ultimatum to expand oil drilling
By Manu Raju
Posted: 07/23/08 04:48 PM


Senate Republicans have threatened to block nearly all other bills pending before the August recess if Democrats refuse to vote with them on expanding offshore drilling.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch 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.

McConnell and top Republicans indicated Wednesday they would oppose any procedural votes to take up other legislation, which require 60 votes to succeed.

"We think there is nothing more important that we can do right now than to deal with the Number One issue of the country," McConnell said. "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'?"

more...

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/senate-gop-issues-u...

[Hydra]

1. While Oil prices are falling?

They can sit and spin.

Speaking of which, that's how we should be bargaining with Bush.

Want bill x? You have to pass this bill first.

[LostInAnomie]

2. That's not really much of a threat.

They were probably going to block every bill until the recess anyway.

[DCKit]

3. Ah, the obstructionist Republics.

Remember folks, they won't be irrelevant unless we get rid of enough of them in November. Even as a minority they will do as much damage as possible and prevent substantial change.

The circular logic here is incredible - "We won't sign any legislation regulating speculation in the markets until you allow permission to drill anywhere and everywhere to increase the supply of already plentiful oil."