Hatch, Bishop blame Demos for high oil prices

"Since June the Democrat leaders have cancelled sessions, stopped work on pretty much all the appropriations bills and only allowed floor votes on bills where there is a limit on amendments and none can be about energy issues," Bishop said.

"Democrat leaders of Congress (in contrast to several rank and file, frustrated Democrats) have refused to even address any aspect of our energy crisis," Bishop said.

While not a vocal part of the loud debates on Wednesday, Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, has been pushing a bill to better regulate oil speculators who try to evade U.S. oversight by dealing in foreign exchanges.

Also, Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, who was defeated in a primary, has said he is using his remaining days largely to push a bill that would make obtaining permits for oil shale development easier. He also said, however, he worries nothing may pass amid the election-year partisan battles.

---

E-mail: lee@desnews.com