That's what this amounts to, isn't it?

A group of Democratic Senators Tuesday threatened to block a multi-million dollar US arms deal with Saudi Arabia, unless the kingdom ups oil production and helps cut soaring gasoline prices.

The senators introduced a resolution of disapproval on the arms sale, as President George W. Bush prepared to head for Saudi Arabia, partly on a mission to contain runaway oil prices.

"We are saying to the Saudis that, if you don't help us, why should we be helping you?" said New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer.

There's another crazy idea floating around that might have a comparable effect to the Schumer proposal: increase domestic oil production. It might not offer the added features of the Schumer plan -- increasing our addiction to foreign oil, while at the same time interfering with foreign policy -- but I suspect the American people will be OK with that.

I wonder if the press will make this point when the bill comes up for a vote?