The Definition of Bipartisan Has Changed

THE DEFINITION OF BIPARTISAN HAS CHANGED -- (House of Representatives - September 16, 2008)

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, we've been hearing a lot about change these days; certain parties claiming more change than others perhaps.

I would suggest that what has changed the most is the definition of the term ``bipartisan.'' To say that this effort is bipartisan is not being honest. To say that the process that we're supposed to engage in 2 years ago of being the most open process in the history of Congress, not so. To criticize the executive branch for energy policies 7 years ago being drafted behind closed doors, and then to participate or not allow participation in this issue, I think, is unconscionable for the American people.

We're talking about way offshore drilling, if at all. We need broad-based energy supply.

If we think that a 9 percent approval rating of Congress is bad, let's pass a bill that won't do anything saying that it will. That is bad policy. If we expect our economy to grow, we need to afford the resources of energy to the growing economy.

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