By what should be the overarching goal of political response to the Gulf of Mexico tragedy, congressional leaders are performing thoroughly.The goal should be to lower the risks that anything like the blowout of the deepwater Maconda well off Louisiana can happen again.Congressional proposals surely would lower risks. But they'd do so by strangling oil and gas drilling off the US.Wells not drilled can't blow out. But they produce no oil or gas, employ no one, and generate no income for workers, company owners, or taxing authorities.Instead of focusing on procedures and safety, Congress proposes to stifle activity crucial to national energy and economic interests.A bill passed by the House...