In the ongoing lull between the debate over House and Senate energy bills and their reconciliation in conference, I find myself struggling for something to rant about (other than the lull itself, which I've already ranted about). So I thought I'd  poke around my NewsGator folders to see what provoked my ire recently, but found no outlet.

How's this:

Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina used his allotted two minutes during debate of the House energy bill to attack the proposed $20 monthly tax rebate to bicycle commuters, calling it a 19th century solution to a 21st century problem.

Democrats believe that using taxpayer funds in this bill to the tune of $1 million a year should be devoted to the principle of: "Save energy, ride a bike." Some might argue that depending on bicycles to solve our energy crisis is naive, perhaps ridiculous. Some might even say Congress should use this energy legislation to create new energy, bring new nuclear power plants on line, use clean coal technology, energy exploration, but no, no. They want to tell the American people, stop driving, ride a bike.

Hold on a minute. Last time I checked, the House passed a $12 billion energy bill that contains incentives to increase domestic production of crude oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear and other energy sources.

Just what McHenry was looking for.

So, here's my question for the chubby Republican: In the context of a $12 billion energy bill, what's $1 million here or there in tax rebates for folks who are actually doing something about the problem? And why did you waste two minutes of your colleagues' valuable time with your attack on bicycles?

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