House Republicans love their hostages, and
they've found theirs for this round of last-minute legislating.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Republicans in the House of Representatives were falling into line on Thursday behind a bill to extend a payroll tax break for workers after leaders sweetened the legislation with a provision that has drawn a veto threat from President Barack Obama.
The bill detailed by House Republican leaders in a closed door session includes a measure requiring quick approval of the Keystone XL pipeline that is to carry Canadian oil to Texas refineries. Obama has delayed approval of the project for a year to allow more review on its environmental impact. [...]
"It never hurts," Republican Representative Kevin Brady said when asked if Obama's veto threat helped galvanize reluctant conservatives.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell seems to be willing to play along, attacking President Obama yesterday for delaying the decision on permitting construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.
“Presidential politics got in the way," said McConnell, telling a version of how the White House decided to delay its decision on whether or not to allow the proposed pipeline that would bisect the country from North to South.
Right, and politics has nothing to do with House Republicans deciding to take this particular hostage. One of McConnell's caucus, Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE) has come out in opposition to the pipeline because of its route through his state. And the Senate, of course, would be highly unlikely to pass a bill with this rider, regardless.
So what this really amounts to is just GOP economic hostage-taking. It wouldn't be the holidays without it.
