Senate Republicans Support Energy Efficiency Bill, But Hold It 'Hostage' Anyway

[Cali_Democrat]

Source: Huffington Post

WASHINGTON -– Pretty much everyone loves the Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency bill.

"This is a fine piece of legislation," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said Tuesday.

"It does enjoy broad bipartisan support," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said moments later.

But the bill is probably doomed. Leaders of the Senate Republican caucus have demanded votes on unrelated amendments, which Reid declined. Reid instead offered Republicans a chance to vote on a separate bill that would force the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline -- but only if they first approve the energy efficiency bill.

<...>

The bill is about as non-controversial as you get in Washington. It includes incentives, opportunities, and funding to improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings, houses, and appliances, but no mandatory standards. Still, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has estimated it will spur the creation of 190,000 jobs, save the country $16.2 billion a year on energy bills by 2030, and reduce planet-warming greenhouse gases.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/07/senate-energy-efficiency_n_5284200.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

[Archae]

1. "Unrelated amendments"

Translation: "Do it OUR way or we are going to hold our breath until we turn blue!"

PJ O'Rourke said republicans are convinced government can't do anything right, so they go to Washington to prove it.

[davidpdx]

2. Yep, that's it

They'll hold everything hostage and make up lies about Bengahzi to obstruct the government.