The Crypt reports that, surprise surprise, behind-the-scenes negotiations in relation to the energy speculation bill (S. 3268) have reached an impasse.
While the Senate voted 94-0 to take up a bill to curb speculation in oil markets earlier in the day, Durbin said talks with Republicans have been temporarily suspended over a disagreement on the number of amendments to offer on the bill.
Durbin said Republicans are purposefully trying to offer dozens of amendments in order to “drag out” debate on the issue.
“What they want is not a debate that ends in a vote,” said Durbin. “What they want is a debate that never ends.”
As we reported earlier today, Democratic leaders have thus far only been willing to agree to allow one amendment per side on the bill.
So unless something changes through the course of this afternoon, the rest of today’s session might be filled with speeches and quorum calls as the 30 hours of post-cloture time slowly runs out.
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