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October 08, 2005

Corruption in Congress Continues

By John Courage

Yesterday I was disappointed to hear that once again the Republican leadership in Congress has let the American people down. Once again the Republican leadership has chosen to twist the rules of Congress in order to enrich their friends in the Energy Industry rather than do the right thing.

Time and time again the DeLay controlled Republican leadership has twisted, and manipulated, and broken the rules of procedures of the House of Representatives for their own partisan purposes, to reward their well heeled friends and supporters.

Today’s so called 'energy bill' provides huge windfall tax breaks to an energy industry that is experiencing soaring profits while Americans are experiencing skyrocketing gasoline, natural gas and heating oil prices.

Today after calling for a vote on the "Gasoline for America's Security Act of 2005," the leadership held the vote closing 45 minutes beyond the appointed time in order to twist the arms of Congressman who had originally voted against the bill. The Bill actually failed 209 - 213 but the Republican leaders would not close the voting till they changed 3 votes to create enough votes to pass the bill.

"The antics of right-wingers on the House floor today mirrored their previous strong-arm tactics in passing CAFTA and prescription drug legislation - bills that, like today's, favored large corporations. In July 2005, the House passed CAFTA with a slim two-vote margin after holding the vote open for an hour and 45 minutes. In November 2003, in the dead of night, the House leadership passed the Medicare prescription drug vote by five votes after holding the vote open for three hours." as noted in Thinkprogress.org.

This shameless exhibition of Republican corruption of the rules and procedures of the U.S. House of Representatives totally belies the claim Republicans make of partisanship on the part of Democrats.

At times like these Congress needs Courage!

John

Posted by John Courage at October 8, 2005 12:07 PM | TrackBack

Comments

The oil and gas industry is literally trying to squeeze every last dime out before they extract the very last drop of oil. And unfortunately they have a friend in the White House. Don't blame the Republicans en masse. Blame Bush.

Isn't this legislation that was supposed to tie the "tax incentives" to research and development of alternative fuels?

The oil and gas industry in Texas could probably pay for school finance itself with a small surcharge. But won't. I heard they were the loudest voice, although no one could hear them under the table, in the negotiations this summer. Especially after Kinky Friedman's suggestion that they be hit with a surcharge to fund a "trust" to increase salaries for our public employees like teachers and policemen and firemen.

Some of the industry is reinvesting the profits into research and development. Some of the industry is not. And those that aren't should not receive any "tax incentive" at all. If anything, they should be taxed more than the others. But of course then you have Bush.

Maybe "God" told him the big oil companies are the new prophets who will part the Red Sea and lead us all into the Promised Land.

Posted by: Baby Snooks at October 8, 2005 12:50 PM

I say we can blame Republicans en masse, because without them this bill would not have passed. The bill passed 212-210, but only after Republican leaders extended the roll call to round up the votes. Every Democrat present voted no. Republicans don't get a free pass on the blame game here. They should be held accountable for voting for the special interests of large oil corporations over average Americans and their shrinking pocketbooks.

Central Texas Republicans John Carter of Round Rock, Michael McCaul of Austin and Lamar Smith of San Antonio all voted for the bill. These Republicans do not represent the people of their districts first. When they have to choose, they side with business first. Average Americans in these districts are second class to them.

Sonia

Posted by: Sonia S. at October 8, 2005 10:57 PM
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