Big Fight On House Floor Over Gas

The vote on the gasoline energy bill was a raucous affair with victory and defeat swinging back and forth along partisan lines. Members were shouting at the Speaker and using procedural inquiries to complain about time abuse and to make additional points.

The vote on the Gasoline for America's Security (GAS) Act, sponsored by House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) was scheduled to last for 5 minutes but was extended to 45 minutes because the dems held a 212 to 210 lead unti 2 Republicans were convinced to switch their no votes to yes. The bill passed 212-210 with Democrats hollering "Shame! Shame! Shame! after the Speaker closed the count. Barton took the air provision (see article below) out of the bill before the vote.