Democrats, according to the Paper of Record, are "worried" that some of their own members will vote in favor of off-shore drilling, a component of Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's energy bill.
Democrats, worried about defections in the ranks, are scrambling to avoid votes on expanded drilling and this week canceled a series of Senate committee sessions that could have provided an opening for Republicans. In the House, Democrats are increasingly bringing legislation to the floor under rules that deny Republicans the chance to counter with a drilling proposal.
Harry Reid is doing all he can to prevent an actual vote regarding domestic drilling. McConnell continues to push for a vote on letting America drill its own energy reserves.
The Hill reports:
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?”
Because of McConnell's steadfastness on drilling, "the GOP is positioning itself as the party willing to do whatever it takes to lower gas prices."
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