National energy: Dashle to control timing of energy discussion in Senate

Steve Sutherlin

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle controls the introduction of energy security legislation to the Senate now that the issue is out of the hands of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. While Daschle can choose the time, he is bounded by Senate plans to adjourn by the end of October, energy committee sources told PNA.

Congressional Democrats said Oct. 9 the energy committee would invoke a Senate rule to suspend marking up energy legislation for the current session of Congress.

Ending committee consideration of an energy bill came at the request of Daschle, Jeff Bingaman, energy committee chairman said in a press release, adding that the move is an attempt to avoid a contentious issue that could divide Congress. Instead of a bill that undergoes the normal committee review and amendment process, Bingaman will propose energy legislation that can be added to the Senate calendar for action prior to adjournment.

Supporters of opening ANWR could amend the bill once it reaches the Senate floor.

Sen. Frank. Murkowski, ranking member of the energy committee said the action by Bingaman would have the effect of causing partisan issues to erupt in Senate floor discussions of energy policy.

“This action by the Democrat majority has taken the nation’s energy security and made it a partisan issue locking out Republicans and the entire committee process. The Senate Democrat leadership has abandoned the bipartisan approach established in the House when Republicans and Democrats came together to pass their energy bill (H.R. 4).

“Such action by the Senate leadership is inappropriate at a time when our country is seeking unity on an energy policy, recognizing the vulnerability of our nation. Our increasing dependence on foreign energy helps facilitate terrorism.

“Already our economy has been disrupted. We cannot afford to let our nation’s energy be disrupted as well. Clearly, the public supports a bill. Labor supports a bill. Our national security demands a bill.”