Political Quotes

“the way the House is handling offshore oil drilling today pretty much defines ``travesty.'' For the first time in more than a generation, we are going to vote on opening the entire coastline of the United States to oil and natural gas drilling. You think that would be considered a rather major matter that requires some thoughtful discussion. But that is not how we are handling it. Instead, we are going to debate legislation that is being rushed through the House. The base bill we are discussing, and the report on it, which includes the cost estimate, were not filed until Monday. Once folks got a look at the text and the cost estimate, opposition pressure mounted, so the bill needed to be rewritten. That rewriting continued well into the night last evening. So the rule makes in order a manager's amendment that includes massive changes in the bill that no one was able to see until after midnight. Is this a process we can be proud of? It seems all one has to do around here is use the word ``oil'' for the sanctity of the democratic process to simply slip away. The process we are using today gives new meaning to the phrase ``oil slick.'' Now, some may say, oh, come on, people know whether they are for or against offshore drilling. We don't need a lot of time. Well, this bill doesn't just allow offshore drilling. It changes all the rules on approving oil drilling in areas where it is allowed. It changes all the maps for State marine boundaries. Did you know that?…”