Do Bachmann and Kline really care about oil prices?

The Minnesota Independent noted yesterday that the Democrats' plan for gas prices was voted down in the House.

The Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands Act, cosponsored by Rep. Tim Walz, would create a "use it or lose it" policy for oil companies leasing government lands—they have to drill on current land in order to lease newly opened lands—and would prohibit the exporting of Alaskan oil to countries other than the United States.

The vote on the bill failed to get a two-thirds majority at a vote of 244-173 (roll call). Republican Rep. Jim Ramstad joined Democratic Reps. Walz, Ellison, McCollum, and Oberstar in voting for the measure. Bachmann and Kline voted against it.

"Oil companies are leasing 68 million acres of federal land that are just sitting idle," Walz said in a statement after the vote. "The DRILL Act makes it clear to Big Oil that when it comes to leases, they need to use it or lose it."

How can Bachmann and Kline justify voting against this bill? They have been complaining about gas prices for months--and yet they voted against requiring oil companies to use their leased lands wisely. I understand that Bachmann would rather we Drill Here, Drill There, Drill Everywhere. But she must understand that the Democrats won't pass this ridiculous bill. So why wouldn't she do something to help improve gas prices?

It just goes to show exactly what Bachmann and Kline are all about: playing politics. They don't want gas prices to go down, because they want to be able to blame the Democrats.

Crossposted at Minnesota Campaign Report

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