Melissa Ross
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is pushing back against reports he’s holding up legislation to help Flint, Michigan, recover from the poisoning of its water supply.
Nelson says because he opposed an amendment attached to the bill that would create incentives to increase offshore drilling, he has no choice but to block the measure by placing what’s known as a “hold” on it.
“For 40 years, I’ve fought to keep oil rigs off of Florida’s coast,” Nelson said.
“Now we have an energy bill that I obviously support, but a Republican senator from Louisiana wants to attach a part that starts the process of putting oil rigs off of Florida. I will not let that happen.”
The amendment, proposed by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, would increase the amount of revenue states would receive if they allow oil drilling off their coasts.
Nelson maintains he supports the overall energy bill and funds allocated in it to help Flint, Michigan.
Before Nelson placed a hold on the Flint legislation, U.S. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah was the only remaining senator preventing a vote on the Flint bill. Lee had argued Congress shouldn’t get involved in a local water crisis.
If the entire package is not voted on before the Senate leaves for its spring recess on March 21, senators will probably look for a different way to assist Flint.
