Energy Deal Close
Senate leaders were closing in Tuesday morning on a deal that would allow them to move forward on energy.
Just minutes after opening the chamber Tuesday morning, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) forced a quorum call to work out the final details of a potential deal with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
Reid and McConnell were huddled on the Senate floor likely working out an agreement that would allow the Republicans to offer some sort of measure to open more domestic land to drilling. Following a GOP broadside to obstruct all legislation not aimed at reducing gas prices, Reid yesterday offered the GOP four amendments on his speculation measure authored by members of the Democratic leadership.
Republicans were expected to present Reids proposal, and counteroffers containing more than four proposed amendments, to their members at their weekly policy luncheon today.
Democrats are further concerned that a handful of their Members would actually support language to increase drilling if they were put on the table.