Pelosi Politics Prevail over Sound Energy Policy
Press Release
Following a spirited debate on providing affordable and reliable energy to the American people, House Democrats this evening passed partisan legislation designed to give political cover to vulnerable Members of their caucus as opposed to the comprehensive, bipartisan, Peterson-Abercrombie bill that would offer real relief to the American people. Peterson issued the following statement:
"Today marked a historic moment in the 110th Congress. Members had a clear choice; support comprehensive, bipartisan energy legislation that would put our great nation on the road toward energy independence, or support a backroom-brokered bill designed to restrict the domestic production of energy and continue to keep our vast resources under lock and key. Unfortunately, Democrats chose the later, further proving that Speaker Pelosi is interested in politics as usual, rather than sound energy policy.
"I applaud Republican Leader Boehner and Republican Whip Blunt for putting politics aside and acting in the best interest of the Nation, by offering the Peterson-Abercrombie bill as the Republican alternative. This is exactly what the American people want and deserve, and the comprehensive energy solution Republicans are committed to providing.
"I will do everything in my power to defeat the Pelosi bill in the Senate, Conference Committee, and will also urge the President to reject this measure should it make it to his desk. The American people are sick and tired of the political games that Speaker Pelosi and her leadership team actively embrace. The stakes are too high and consequences too severe for the Speaker to play politics with the economic and national security of our nation."
The Peterson-Abercrombie bill was offered as the Republican motion to recommit, which is the minority party's last, and only opportunity to amend the majority's legislation. The Peterson-Abercrombie bill, The National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act (H.R. 6709) was crafted by a group of twenty-three Republicans and Democrats, prior to the August recess.
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