Jay Newton-Small reports that Rep. Collin Peterson (D–Minn.) has finally managed to insert enough rapacious farm welfare language into the Waxman-Markey climate bill to satisfy himself and has now agreed to let the bill come to a vote on the House floor. Then there’s this:
Peterson, who said he represents the voting power of 45 Blue Dogs and House Agriculture Committee Democrats, told reporters late Tuesday that he didn’t think they’d get a deal. “It was touch and go,” he said, shaking his head. Strikingly, Peterson said he dealt little with the Administration in the negotiations — speaking instead with Waxman and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Obama pushed for the legislation in remarks Tuesday, but the Administration has been markedly less involved in the climate change bill than in the stimulus, budget or health care reform. Once the global warming bill clears the House, though, it faces a far from certain future in the Senate where Obama’s support will be more keenly needed.
Ugly, ugly, ugly. Still, if that last part is true, let’s hope Obama decides to get a little more involved in things going forward. The Senate is not exactly the place were mediocre bills are sent to get better, after all, and this one really can’t afford to get much worse.
And while we’re on the subject of legislation, if you’re the kind of person who contributes money to Democratic candidates and fundraising groups, Jonathan Zasloff has some pretty good advice for you. Click here to read it.
