Tense debates bring out the strangest in people. At least, that’s the case for Rep. Rob Bishop (R) of Utah.
Rep. Bishop was quoted yesterday, suggesting that the passage of the clean energy bill (aka Waxman-Markey, aka American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009) would be as tragic as the death of Michael Jackson’s.
Obviously, the comparison doesn’t stand – even if the repercussions for passing the bill may be a bit frightening. But what is horrifying is the watching the debate over the bill.
It would be a comedy if it weren’t so real.
Some excerpts starting with the mysterious 309 pages:
“I understand that an extra three hundred pages were added overnight,” Rep. Louie Gohmert said. “How do we get that other three hundred pages?”
An awkward minute passed before Rep. Louise Slaughter (D, NY) asked Gohmert to continue.
Five minutes later, Rep. Joe Barton (R) of Texas held the climate bill in two piles: one contained 1,201 pages; the other, 309 pages. Together, this reportedly makes up the official copy of the bill on the floor of the house.
However, it was explained that during the debate, the clerk’s office was busy stuffing the extra 309 pages into their respective places within the original 1,201 page document, but that the two separate pile did indeed constitute as a full, comprehensive bill.
John Hinderaker of Powerline gives a succinct run down what’s likely to happen if the bill passes the House:
And for those who wish to see picture depicting what the new bureaucracy would look like, or how it would influence general American lives, take a look at this.
