Remember those news articles about the GOP leadership in Virginia pushing for oil drilling off the Virginia coasts?Just in case you voters in Hampton Roads were wondering, your congressman still wants to dot your coastline with oil derricks:
Drilling supporters hailed the committee's 29-9 vote as a breakthrough for efforts to reduce American dependence on imported energy."This legislation represents a responsible solution ... because it respects states' rights, the environment and our military's interests," said U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake, R-2nd District, a committee member.
"I will be absolutely shocked if it doesn't pass" the full House, she added.
This bill lifts the 25-year federal moratorium on offshore drilling, while allowing states to make the final call on drilling in their waters. Since Thelma Drake has been a vocal supporter of drilling off the Virginia Beach coast, I'd guess she's happy to punt this issue to the GOP-controlled Virginia legislature that has already voted in favor of drilling (though another Tim Kaine veto could stand in their way.)
Also, it's interesting that Thelma Drake voted against a previous version of this bill for its failure to account for the Navy's objections to drilling when she herself failed to even check with the Pentagon before rushing to support this Bush inspired plan. That flub is starting to look like an embarrassment she's hoping the media and voters forget.
Shame on Thelma Drake for selling out her district and shame on each representative that voted for the bill, Democrats included.
Like Phil Kellam said, paraphrased "if you agree with someone 98% of the time in a serious discussion, one of you doesn't need to be there".
With hopes we'll be sending Thelma back to her first love, real estate pimp !