Bill Sali: Taxpayer Hero?

On Tuesday the House of Representatives debated and voted on the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act which passed 236 to 189 with both Idaho Congressmen Mike Simpson and Bill Sali joining a majority of Republicans voting against the bill.  Among other things, the legislation allows for some new off-shore drilling, invests in alternative and renewable energy sources and repeals tax subsidies for large oil companies.

Prior to voting on the bill, Congressman Sali stood on the House floor explaining why he was opposing the bill.  During his speech Sali, amazingly enough, admitted that he was proud of the amount of energy Americans consume, insinuating that we aren't using enough.

See it here:

[Apparently C-SPAN is still working out the bugs in the beta video player and has removed video embedding for this clip but you can watch it here.  It may take a few minutes to load.]

While most Americans see the advantages of conservation as part of an overall energy and national security plan and have prudently reduced their energy consumption (in part leading to a reduction in fuel costs), Sali suggests that we should be using more resources—all we can get our hands on, actually.

If there was any doubt about where Sali's loyalties lie, that ought to help make it crystal clear.  There are only a select few who would benefit from an increase in energy consumption and obviously average Idahoans aren't among that elite group.  Big oil companies are.

In fact back in May while gas prices were soaring, Sali was courting oil companies, hosting a big D.C. fundraiser, while his opponent Walt Minnick was helping Idahoans buy gasoline at a reduced cost.  Sali wasn't shy about it either, sending out invitations proudly saying so in big, bold type [highlight added] while dismissing Minnick's efforts.

Thanks to fundraisers like this, Sali has become part of the problem, raking in over $35,000 so far in contributions from oil and gas companies.  Add to that his vote today against legislation that would help curb the excessive speculation in energy markets that has led to higher gas prices, toss in a little taxpayer-funded campaign research and it's clear that this "taxpayer hero" is missing something—perhaps his stretchy pants.

Comments

[Tony Nash]

I suppose you folks would like to put a stop to NASCAR races so we all could feel better about conserving energy, by not going to the race's. Rep Sali knows that we are the most productive nation in the world and the world is a better place because it. In other words we are helping the little guy more than anyone else. We will always use more and more energy due to innovation, immigrants, births, etc.. If you don't think so then you are an ostrich.