Legislative Background
Recent Action on Energy Consumption
As the price of oil rose to nearly $150 a barrel, energy bills were flying through the Congress at a fast pace in the weeks leading up to the August recess. All failed to bridge the partisan divide on these issues, however, and Members went home with little accomplished. While Republicans pressed for more domestic oil drilling and exploration, particularly offshore, Democrats insisted that exploration and drilling should take place in areas the oil companies already control. House Legislation In the House, the Democratic leadership held a series of votes on energy-related bills, but most measures failed because they were…
