SOMETHING TO :-) ABOUT!!

Alabama Cheerleaders , Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge LA 11/2006
all reproduction rights reserved William Greiner

Jindal says House to vote Friday on offshore bill

Congressman Bobby Jindal says the U.S. House of Representatives will likely vote tomorrow on a tax-extension bill that gives Louisiana a bigger cut of offshore oil and natural gas royalties. "It looks like a deal has been reached, " Jindal, R-Kenner, said this morning. "I want to allow the committees of jurisdiction to make the official announcement." Jindal said it would take time to draft the bill. It could go before the House today but it would likely be Friday, he said. Jindal said both the House and Senate "pre-conferenced" the bill, which "makes it very likely it will be approved." "I think both chambers expect to pass it without any amendments, " he said. The Senate has passed an offshore revenue bill, and President Bush has indicated he will sign the measure. Sen. David Vitter, R-Metairie, this morning said the House and Senate had reached an agreement on the OCS legislation. However, he said the House was expected to vote later today and the Senate would vote tomorrow. Louisiana's Congressional delegation has been trying to beat the clock during the short lame-duck session to get a bill passed that would boost the amount of offshore royalty money.

(Bill Bowden)
The Baton Rouge Business Report 12/7/2006