Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) says "anarchists have taken over" Congress, referring to Tea Party Republicans who "don’t believe in government." (File/UPI photo) | License Photo

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said on Thursday that "anarchists" have taken over Congress.

Reid was referring to Tea Party Republicans stalling an energy efficiency bill by adding amendments on unrelated issues including Obamacare.


“We’re diverted totally from what this bill is about. Why? Because the anarchists have taken over,” Reid said on the Senate floor. “They’ve taken over the House and now they’ve taken over the Senate. “People who don’t believe in government -- and that’s what the Tea Party is all about -- are winning, and that’s a shame.”

S. 1392, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act, is meant to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell introduced an Obamacare amendment that would delay the individual health insurance mandate for one year, as well as codify the Obama administration's one-year delay of employer requirements.

“Let’s delay ObamaCare mandates for families right now,” McConnell said. “Then let’s work together to repeal the bill.”

On Wednesday, Republican Sen. David Vitter said he would prevent votes on amendments to the energy bill until he gets a vote on his amendment, which would require some congressional and executive branch staff to enroll in the Obamacare health insurance exchanges.

"It’s defund Obamacare, and I guess as the fiscal year comes to and end that’s what it’s all about,” Reid said.