If dealing with energy independence is the most important issue facing America, then no one can dispute that this is the right move by Senate Republicans.

Senate Republicans have threatened to block nearly all other bills pending before the August recess if Democrats refuse to vote with them on expanding offshore drilling.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said bills that do not pertain to energy can wait until after the August recess, with gas prices now surpassing $4 per gallon. McConnell and top Republicans indicated Wednesday they would oppose any procedural votes to take up other legislation, which require 60 votes to succeed.

“We think there is nothing more important that we can do right now than to deal with the Number One issue of the country,” McConnell said. “This is the biggest issue since terrorism right after 9/11. People are pounding on their desks, saying, Why don’t these people get together and do something about this problem?”

This has to be a winner for the Republicans -- after all, 73% of Americans support offshore drilling. And we've already seen the positive effects of repealing the Executive Branch portion of the drilling ban -- the effects of repealing the Congressional ban would be no hoax.

Maybe a little more backbone by the GOP will turn things around in November.

H/T Hot Air