Republicans Twist Arms to Benefit Oil Companies


It is increasingly uncomfortable for Republics to act like, well, Republicans. House Republicans today narrowly passed the kind of bill that, in better times, would have easily prevailed. Clouded in the political cover provided by Hurricane Katrina, Republicans claim the bill will encourage oil companies to build new refineries. Among other obnoxious provisions, it requires citizen's groups that challenge new refineries to pay the refinery's hefty legal bills, win or lose.

Ignoring the rules once again, Republicans held open the vote until they could lobby enough party members to change their votes. Democrats, finally showing signs of life, chanted "shame, shame" as Republicans rejected demands to close the vote. Democrats held together, unanimously opposing the bill.

Finally, long after the vote had been scheduled to close, two GOP votes switched, providing the Republican victory.

Final vote to provide outrageous giveaways to Republican-friendly oil companies: 212-210.

http://talkleft.com/new_archives/012658.html

Posted: Fri - October 7, 2005 at 12:12 AM          

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