haven't checked into this yet, but

[netmouse]

Just got a note from the democratic lists (aka Kohn Kerry) saying that some Republicans have just attached an artic oil drilling proposal to the defense appropriations bill that is long past when it ought to have been approved. I *really* wish we had a federal rule that would prohibit adding things to bills that are not relevant to them.

If you ever needed a reminder of how broken Washington has become under one-party rule, we're getting it loud and clear in the closing hours of this session of Congress. Instead of sending a unified and unanimous signal to our troops on the front lines, Republicans are instead scheming to make a giveaway to the big oil companies their parting shot before Congress leaves Washington this winter. The Republicans' aim is sadly simple: mission accomplished for the big oil companies, mission unaccomplished for our troops, our environment, and America's real energy security.

In the very early hours this morning, Republican Senators, in a desperate legislative maneuver, have attached an arctic drilling proposal to the defense bill. They're putting oil companies ahead of our troops. Senator McCain got it right when he called this maneuver "disgusting."

If you agree, call your Senator now and help us get this special interest giveaway off the bill that is supposed to be helping our troops.

Call your Senators and tell them to stand up against this Republican abuse of power

The Military Officer's Association of America predicted this tactic last week: "We're concerned that insertion of any divisive, non-defense related issues at the last minute could further delay enactment of this crucial legislation. Both defense bills are urgently needed to support our military efforts. Congress is already three months late passing them, and needs to get off the dime."

Yesterday, a group of five high-profile generals sent a letter to Senator Frist that said: "It is not helpful to attach such a controversial non-defense legislative issue to a defense appropriations bill. It only invites delay for our troops as Congress debates an important but controversial non-defense issue on a vital bill providing critical funding for our nation's security."

Republican leaders know that drilling in the Arctic Refuge has nothing to do with this critical defense legislation. They know that just weeks ago, the arctic drilling proposal didn't have the votes to pass in the light of day because it's wrong for America. Now, the Republicans know where our generals stand on this matter. Will you join us in making them listen to our military?

Comments

[nicegeek.livejournal.com]

One correction: It's the House that attached the ANWR amendment. The Senate has a germane-ness requirement, so these off-topic additions are made in the House, and then written into the Joint bill during the reconciliation conference. If you want to block this change, the only Senators with a say in the matter will be the ones on that conference committee. If it makes it through that committee, it will probably become law, because it then can't be amended, and few Congressmen are going to vote against funding the military, even if it means they're forced to approve ANWR drilling as a side-effect.

[nicegeek.livejournal.com]

I have to correct myself. It's the House that has the germane-ness requirement, not the Senate. In this case, the amendment was added by Sen. Stevens from Alaska. He was able to add it to the defense bill because he chairs the defense appropriations subcommittee.

So, at this point the choice before the other senators is to pass them both, or not at all.