David Obey: “I simply want to observe that there has been a false parallelism in this debate between the idea that if you are going…”

“I simply want to observe that there has been a false parallelism in this debate between the idea that if you are going to prevent drilling off the coast of Florida, then somehow it makes sense to prevent the construction of this pipeline. There is a big difference. The drilling has not occurred; the pipeline is already largely constructed. Secondly, there is no question that Florida is going to need the natural gas. So it seems to me that there is a false parallelism which should be dismissed by any neutral Members of the body. Secondly, let's not kid anybody: this amendment is not being offered because of the merits of the amendment. This amendment is here because it is payback time. There are some people in this place who are unhappy with the fact that last week this House said, 'No, we are going to protect the beaches of Florida.'”