McConnell on Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Domestic Energy: “Let’s Get This Done”
‘I hope we can get past this showmanship; finish this bipartisan legislation; and send it to the House so we can get it on the President’s desk. Let’s not squander this opportunity.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding energy legislation:
‘This week, we have the opportunity to pass major legislation to strengthen domestic energy. Chairman Murkowski, Senator Manchin, and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee have assembled a strong, bipartisan bill. I look forward to passing it.
‘I was disappointed yesterday when the Senate failed to advance the legislation and clear a path toward completing the bill.
‘The Committee’s product includes about 50 different bills and contributions from nearly three-fourths of the members of this body. And contrary to the Democratic Leader’s assertions on the floor, I am certainly not blocking any bipartisan amendments. I have stated right here on the floor that I hope and anticipate that we will vote on amendments this week.
‘So don’t be fooled by the finger-pointing. I am not standing in the way of bipartisan amendments. What is really happening is that the Democrat Leader is moving the goalposts.
‘There had been a bipartisan understanding about how to finish this bill, but yesterday the Democratic Leader decided to change his tune and demand a vote on something outside the scope of the current debate.
‘I hope we can get past this showmanship; finish this bipartisan legislation; and send it to the House so we can get it on the President’s desk. Let’s not squander this opportunity.
‘Chairman Murkowski’s and Senator Manchin’s compromise product will help our nation move toward greater energy security, energy efficiency, and energy affordability for years to come.
‘New support for energy efficiency efforts. New incentives for innovation. New tools to secure our electrical grid. New ways to strengthen our domestic supply chain for important minerals. And on and on.
‘This chamber got it right last week when we proceeded to this bill by a vote of 90-4. It hasn’t suddenly become controversial overnight.
‘Everyone knows there are plenty of outside issues that Senators do not agree on. We should let ourselves agree on what we do agree on and complete this legislation this week.
‘Let’s keep legislating. Let’s get this done. The American people deserve it.’
Related Issues: Energy
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