Correction Appended

Senate Republicans slowed legislative action once again on Thursday when they objected to moving ahead with Democratic energy bills, including one to curb oil speculation.

Senate GOP Conference Vice Chairman John Cornyn (Texas) objected to a request made by Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) that the Senate move to consider legislation on a low-income energy assistance program, which would assist needy homeowners with heating costs during cold winters.

Cornyn said he rejected Reid’s motion because he thought it imperative that the Senate move straight to a bill that would cut into the high prices at the pump.

Cornyn also objected to a request to consider a speculation bill, sponsored by the Democratic leadership. He said that he was doing so until both Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) reached an agreement on amendments.

Several Republicans leaders said they would do everything it takes to get the Senate to act on their proposals that aim to decrease the skyrocketing gasoline prices, including, as they did Thursday morning, blocking other bills that have nothing to do with energy.

“Let’s get real about lowering gas prices,” Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.) said on the floor Thursday morning.

Correction: July 17, 2008

This article was corrected to state that Republicans moved to block all bills, including the Democratic energy package.