Harry Reid: Republicans are like 'greased pigs'

WASHINGTON, May 6 (UPI) -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., was speaking on the Senate floor Tuesday when he said working with Senate Republicans is like trying to catch "greased pigs."

Reid was speaking about his frustration with the lack of progress on the energy bill and the Keystone XL. He said whenever he tried to take the bill to the floor for a vote, the GOP would alter their demands, and he used a very colorful metaphor to illustrate his frustration.

"For all those who don’t know what a greased pig contest is, here’s what it is: The organizers get a little pig, piglet, and they cover this little animal with tons of grease. It’s a greasy little pig," said Reid. "The reason I mention this: Oftentimes working with my Senate Republican colleagues reminds me of chasing one of these little pigs in a greased pig contest. Regardless of all of our efforts, any time we get close to making progress, it seems as though we watch it slip out of our hands."

Republicans have consistently denied such allegations and complain that Reid has not been willing to consider Republican amendments to the bills.

"We’d like to have a chance to have our voices heard occasionally. Eight amendments for the minority since July? This is not the way the Senate ought to be run," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

Sen. David Vitter, R-La., said through his spokesman that Reid was acting "cowardly." Vitter has repeatedly tried to add a "No exemption" amendment to the bill that would gut federal health care subsidies to lawmakers and Capitol Hill aides. Reid has refused to take a vote on the amendment.