December 23, 2005
Senate Lacks Holiday Cheer
Aw gee, the Senate is grumpy because there's legislating to be done on the eve of their Christmas (oops, "holiday") recess. Here's why:
Weighty policy matters hang in limbo on the eve of a midterm election year. A spending bill containing money for the military and Gulf Coast hurricane recovery also now includes a provision to allow Arctic oil drilling - a recent addition by Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, that has infuriated senators of both parties. The move would force lawmakers to vote for the package or be accused of withholding support for U.S. troops and storm victims.
Do you mean they might have to work during the week between Christmas and New Year's like most of the rest of us? Earning the salaries we pay them with our taxes? I'm hardly crying here.
Pretty sneaky of Senator Stevens to slip the Arctic drilling measure in a package of cash for the military and Gulf relief. Good! This ANWR drilling issue has gone on long enough. Those who cry that we need to be less dependent upon Middle East oil but won't let us drill in Alaska need the holes drilled in their heads filled. Until a viable alternative for fossil fuels is found, the more domestic oil we can supply ourselves, the better.
Merry Christmas, senators!
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