House GOP Whines Of Senate Inaction; Return Of Styrofoam Cups To Capitol Only Energy Action To Date

[hatrack]

Republicans say Senate gridlock is the primary reason none of their big energy ideas has reached President Barack Obama’s desk. But the symbolic posturing behind much of the GOP agenda has left the majority with few accomplishments beyond bringing Styrofoam cups back to House cafeterias.

“After six months, you’d hope you get down to legislating,” said Rep. Gene Green, a Texas Democrat who has tried to work with Republicans on several energy bills.

California Democratic Rep. Henry Waxman poked at the Republicans last month by noting that out of the 417 bills and resolutions referred to the Energy and Commerce Committee, the GOP-led panel approved just 12. And none has made it to the president. “The fact of the matter is that this committee has accomplished virtually nothing since January,” said Waxman, former chairman of the panel who co-authored cap-and-trade and health care bills during the past Congress.

Citing a controversial House-passed bill that would negate the Environmental Protection Agency’s scientific declaration that global warming poses threats to public health and welfare, Waxman added, “This committee room has become an alternative universe where the laws of nature cease to exist.”

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http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/58663.html