Bait ‘n’ Switch

On the edge of the expiration of the Congressional offshore drilling ban after 25 years, the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has added this little piece to the latest appropriations bill:

Sec 1602 continues ban on oil shale. The language follows:

SEC. 1602. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including section 152 of division A of H.R. 2638 (110th Congress), the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, the terms and conditions contained in section 433 of division F of Public Law 110–161 shall remain in effect for the 19 fiscal year ending September 30, 2009.

Sen. Jim DeMint

Within the past hour, Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) posted this latest revelation on his website. I think the thought of letting the American taxpayer have a few moments of joy, knowing that someone was listening, was too much for Sen. Reid to bear.

And I was just about to feel all warm and fuzzy about Congress again!

Reid to Renew Oil Shale Ban, Deny Americans Vast Energy Resources During Economic Crisis – Sen Jim DeMint