Just wanted to let you know your tax dollars are hard at work in Washington. Republicans have threatened to force a reading of the entire climate bill, all 946 pages, all aloud. They obviously don’t want it to pass. In response, Democrats have hired a speed reader.

A spokeswoman for the House Energy and Commerce Committee says the committee’s clerks can read pretty fast, but not nearly as fast as the speed reader. From the Wall Street Journal:

“Judging by the size of the amendments, I can read a page about every 34 seconds,” said the newly hired staff assistant, who declined to give his name. Based on that estimate, it would take him about nine hours.

Republicans say they have 400 amendments they could propose.

The bill aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions 17% by 2020 from 2005 levels. Republicans say the plan is way too expensive and will increase energy costs.

Committee chairman Henry Waxman says he hopes to finish the bill by tomorrow, but the leading Republican, Joe Barton says “He’s dreaming.”

Even with a speed reader.