"House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer indicated Wednesday that it was unlikely that the House would move appropriations bills, echoing the sentiments of Appropriations Committee Chairman David R. Obey," Congressional Quarterly reports. "Like Obey, Hoyer criticized attempts by Republicans in the full committee markup of the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill to bring up the Interior bill by offering it as a substitute amendment. Republicans wanted to spotlight rising energy prices by considering the Interior bill and amendments to expand oil drilling. Democrats have said that they are prepared to keep the government funded through a continuing resolution until after the election or a new president takes office. "