As I was coming into the Capitol on Friday, I ran into a Senate staffer whom I have known for years.  In the elevator, we quickly dissected the recent battles over energy, and who is to blame for this year's gridlock on high oil and gas prices.

We also marveled at how lawmakers from both parties can so quickly change their spots in the Senate, depending on whether they are in the majority or the minority.

"And they do it with a straight face," my friend said with an exasperated chuckle.

And he's right.

Two years ago, the Republicans were in charge, and they were the ones limiting debate and amendments on an energy bill, while it was Democrats who were trying to force votes on issues that the GOP wanted to sidestep in the 2006 election year.

Almost two years ago to the day in fact, the Senate was deep in debate on an energy bill dealing with the Gulf of Mexico, and whether to open parts of it to new offshore oil and gas exploration.

Frustrated by delaying tactics, then Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) did exactly what current Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) did this past week:  Frist "filled the tree" to prevent amendments by the minority and then filed cloture on the bill to force final action.

Two years ago, July 27, 2006, then Minority Leader Harry Reid was not pleased.

"Madam President, I have expressed to the majority leader my disappointment in not allowing amendments on this bill," Reid said.

Last week, the roles had reversed.  Reid is now running the Senate as Majority Leader and is trying his best to fight off Republicans on amendments focused on energy.

And now, GOP Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell is the one protesting about amendments and the lack thereof.

"To deal with the biggest issue in the country with a couple amendments is not consistent with the traditions of the Senate," McConnell protested.

"What are we afraid of here? Why should we not be spending our time dealing with the most important issue in the country?" McConnell demanded.

But in 2006 during an energy debate, when Democrats wanted more energy amendments, McConnell said almost the exact opposite to Reid in objecting to Democratic calls for an extended debate.

"I say to my good friend, the only way to achieve success...is to keep (the bill) very narrowly crafted and to pass it as is out of the Senate."

So while part of me says the Republicans should be outraged at their inability to offer amendments, I just can't get too worked up about it, since the GOP is just as guilty of rigging the debate in the Senate when they were in charge.

"What a joke," acknowledged one of my friends, who works for a GOP Senator. 

And they do it with such a straight face.