Pelosi: Shameless Display of the Republican Culture of Corruption

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Shameless Display of the Republican Culture of Corruption

"A vote that was supposed to take five minutes took more than nine times that long because the indicted Republican leader of the House of Representatives needed extra time to twist the arms necessary to pass a bill that is against the interests of the American people, against consumers, against taxpayers, and against the environment."
- Leader Pelosi

The Republican energy bill passed 212-210, after Reps. Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD), Jim Gerlach (R-PA) and Bill Young (R-FL) who originally voted against the bill changed their votes and supported it. All Democrats, one Independent and 13 Republicans voted against the bill. The fact that the Republicans are handmaidens of the special interests is nothing new. The fact that they would shamelessly display their servitude should come as no surprise. But today’s extortion is an especially shameful display – a sad day for democracy. The people spoke and the vote was clearly against this bill. Democrats have proposed guidelines for how we think the House of Representatives should operate, a Minority Bill of Rights. Included in this document is the declaration that ‘No vote shall be held open in order to manipulate the outcome.’ When we take back the People’s House, we will heed that declaration.

Watch a video of the House floor action.

Learn more about the Minority Bill of Rights.

[esvhicl]

1. Silver lining

It's HORRIBLE that it passed. But look at the numbers, how often have votes been that close?