Senate Republicans block heating aid bill

[jpak]

http://bangornews.com/news/t/news.aspx?articleid=167658&zoneid=500

WASHINGTON -Republicans on Saturday blocked the Senate from considering a bill next week that would nearly double federal aid to help the poor pay heating and air-conditioning bills.

Although a dozen Senate Republicans support the measure, most voted with GOP leaders who would rather spend the time trumpeting their call to expand offshore oil drilling before Congress takes six weeks off for vacation and the presidential nominating conventions.

"The American resources on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts contain 14 billion barrels at a minimum ... more than we have imported from the Persian Gulf in the last 15 years," said Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M.

Democrats needed 60 votes to substitute the measure on heating and air-conditioning aid in place of the debate on an expansion of offshore drilling championed by President Bush and GOP presidential candidate John McCain. They got 50 votes Saturday, with 35 Republicans voting against changing the topic.

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[valerief]

1. Of course they did. Why would they do anything else? nt

[madokie]

2. Wouldn't you know it.

sorry bastages that they are

[JohnWxy]

3. RECOMMENDED. What can be done with these fascists?? Biggest toxic waste problem we face.

[phantom power]

4. An astute presidential campaign might make use of this.