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CQDemocrats Dangle Drilling Votes
By Coral Davenport, CQ Staff
Senate Republicans who have been maneuvering for weeks to get a new round of votes on legislation that would expand offshore drilling appear close to getting their wish.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , D-Nev., appeared to surprise his Republican counterpart Monday by offering on the floor to allow each party to offer four energy-related amendments to a Democratic bill (S 3268) aimed at boosting regulation of speculation in the oil markets.
“It sounds to me like we’re very close to having a consent agreement,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky.
Republicans in both chambers have complicated the agenda for Democrats on a broad range of legislation by pressing for votes on drilling amendments. The Senate has cast votes on a pro-drilling amendment and other GOP energy measures as recently as May, but Democrats have become increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of additional votes on pro-drilling measures. Substantial defections among their ranks could prove an embarrassment, strike a blow against the party’s pro-environment base and embolden the GOP.
But Reid’s offer indicates he might be ready to have that fight — and perhaps put it behind him for the rest of the year. “I think we’re getting very close to being able to reach an agreement to go forward,” McConnell said. “This is a significant step in the direction that I had hoped we might take.”
McConnell and other Senate Republicans huddled Monday night to discuss Reid’s offer. Afterwards, McConnell said he needs to consult with other members of the Republican leadership before accepting the offer, but he added that he should be able to get back to Reid soon.
“I’m very encouraged by this development,” McConnell said.
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