Jack Reed: “I believe such a careful and thorough review of the bill is entirely warranted. Indeed, it is not just my opinion but…”

“I believe such a careful and thorough review of the bill is entirely warranted. Indeed, it is not just my opinion but the opinion of countless numbers of Americans and also countless numbers of opinion leaders throughout the country. These are a sample of some of the editorials that have appeared with respect to the Energy bill. The Washington Post calls the bill "depleted energy." The New York Times says "a shortage of energy." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution directs: "Put backroom energy bill out of the country's misery." The Houston Chronicle: "Fix the flaws-- this proposed energy bill is half a loaf, half baked." The American people deserve good national energy policy, created through an open and democratic process. Sadly, the legislation before the Senate is not such a policy nor has it been achieved through an open and transparent and collaborative process. The Energy bill was crafted behind closed doors by members of one political party who chose to involve industry but not elected Senators and Congress men and women. It looks as if the industry got the bill they wanted. We have been told "take it or leave it." I hope we can leave this bill behind.”