Energy bills fuel congressional strife

The bills, many with catchy names, are unlikely to become law. But that may not be the point.

Looking ahead to the presidential election, lawmakers from both parties are stepping up efforts to highlight their differences, especially on energy policy.

As President Bush presses for an expansion of domestic oil drilling, the Democratic-controlled House took up a bill called the Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands (DRILL) Act, aimed at forcing oil companies to use millions of acres already under lease. In the face of a White House veto threat, the bill fell short of the two-thirds vote needed for passage under rules set for the bill. But Democrats could try again under a process that requires only majority support.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, Democrats pressed ahead with a bill targeting investors who make money speculating in oil markets.

GOP lawmakers, for their part, planned a trip this weekend to Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to spotlight what they call Democrats' failure to promote domestic energy production. Republicans have their own bill, the No More Excuses Energy Act.

The House vote came days after Bush lifted a long-standing White House ban on new offshore drilling in an effort to turn up the heat on Congress to end its ban, in place for more than two decades.

But Democrats contend that before new areas are opened to drilling, the oil industry should use areas already under lease. The "use it or lose it" measure, as it's been called, would force oil companies to show that they're "diligently" developing existing leases before getting new ones.

"We're saying in this bill, 'Drill, drill, drill,' " said Rep. Nick J. Rahall II (D-W. Va.).

Added House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.): "Let them start on the land they already have. Let them eat their vegetables before they even think about having dessert."

Republicans accused Democrats of using the bill for political cover to escape an anti-production record. "This is snake oil," said Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.).

The White House, in a statement, said it was "unimaginable" that, with gas prices at historic highs, Congress would consider legislation further restricting oil exploration.