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A Path to Accomplishment, Not Gridlock
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42 Republican Senators call for bipartisan achievement, a voice for their more than 157 million constituents in legislative debate
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered a letter discussing the role of the Senate Minority to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Friday. The letter, signed by 42 Republicans representing more than 157 million Americans, calls on the Majority to work with Republicans to accomplish bipartisan legislative achievements. The text of the letter appears below:
The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Reid:
As we begin our work together in the 111th Congress, Republican Senators are united in our support for the Senate’s Constitutional duty to freely debate and amend.
During the 110th Congress, the Senate was frequently stalled by periods of partisan gridlock. Too often in the previous Congress, legislation bypassed the committee process and was considered with no input from Republican Senators. Further, when those bills were considered on the floor and there were no opportunities for Republican Senators to offer any amendments, millions of our constituents from many states were denied the right to be heard. A record number of cloture petitions were filed, and the “amendment tree” was filled in order to stymie efforts of the Minority to shape legislation of critical importance to those very constituents. During the 111th Congress, we will need to work together across the aisle to ensure that the Senate returns to the regular practice and tradition of allowing all Senators their fundamental right to debate and amend legislation.
As Senator Robert C. Byrd told the incoming Senators-elect in 1996:
‘As long as the Senate retains the power to amend and the power of unlimited debate, the liberties of the people will remain secure.’
Senator Reid, we agree with your statement earlier this year that, ‘A filibuster is the minority’s way of not allowing the majority to shut off debate, and without robust debate, the Senate is crippled.’
As we learned in 2007, when Senators are permitted to fully debate and amend, we can work together to pass bipartisan legislation. The Senate passed several pieces of landmark legislation that were debated and amended with full participation from both Democrats and Republicans.
The leaders and bill managers worked together to structure debate so that Senators could consider and vote on different approaches to major issues. But we also learned that filling the tree and filing cloture to stifle the Minority’s right to debate and amend is invariably counter-productive.
As a caucus, Republicans will insist on our basic right to participate in the legislative process. The Republican Conference intends to protect the Senate’s history of full and open consideration of major legislation, which includes a fair amendment process and the opportunity for debate.
We look forward to working with you and your fellow Democratic Senators to enact legislation that will make a difference for the American people.
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| Permalink Posted: November 24, 2008 at 2:26:12 PM EST |
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Republican Leadership Team Announced
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Republican Conference held Leadership elections for the 111th Congress on Tuesday.
“We’ve assembled a great team which stands ready to protect American taxpayers by cutting spending, paying down the national debt, and moving our nation toward energy independence,” said Senator McConnell. “We are eager to work with our Democrat colleagues to forge bipartisan agreements and implement real legislative accomplishments.”
The results are as follows:
Republican Leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
Republican Whip, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.)
Republican Conference Chair, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)
Republican Policy Committee Chairman, Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.)
Republican Conference Vice Chair, John Thune (R-S.D.)
National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman, John Cornyn (R-Texas)
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| Permalink Posted: November 18, 2008 at 2:07:31 PM EST |
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McConnell Statement On The Yet-To-Be-Written Democrat Spending/Bailout Bill
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‘We owe it to the people of Nevada, Kentucky and all across America to make known the impact this bailout would have on the deficit; the taxpayers deserve to know if this bailout would increase the national debt and raise their taxes’
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Friday in response to a letter from the Majority Leader regarding an as-yet unwritten spending and bailout bill:
“Senator Reid has not yet provided us with the text of his proposed spending bill, or the cost to the taxpayer, or its impact on the deficit. So it would be a real challenge to promise any level of support or opposition sight unseen. And while Sen. Reid’s public comments referenced our private conversation on the level of support for his yet unwritten bill, we don’t yet know if there is even sufficient support from within his own ranks. It would be helpful to know if a majority of his caucus even supports what he will propose. The silence from the Democrat rank and file on this matter has been deafening.
“We owe it to the people of Nevada, Kentucky and all across America to make known the impact this bailout would have on the deficit; the taxpayers deserve to know if this bailout would increase the national debt and raise their taxes. Perhaps when a bill is actually written, and its costs are known, both Republicans and Democrats can take a position on the legislation. But it sure would be helpful to actually see the bill before commenting on it.”
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| Permalink Posted: November 17, 2008 at 9:17:14 AM EST |
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McConnell Statement on Working with President-elect Obama
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on Wednesday on working with President-elect Obama and his administration:
“I congratulate President-elect Obama and will work with him on behalf of the American people. The Republican leadership stands ready to hear his ideas for implementing his campaign promises of cutting taxes, increasing energy security, reducing spending and easing the burden of an immense and growing national debt. On these, and other bipartisan issues, he will find cooperation in the Senate. We have an opportunity for significant accomplishments on behalf of the American people, and it is my hope and intent that we succeed in the years ahead.
“I fully anticipate that President-elect Obama will select well-qualified nominees for the key, early cabinet secretary nominations. And if so, he can count on my support for timely consideration and assistance to ensure a smooth transition for our national, homeland and economic security posts. These times are too important not to move quickly together.”
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| Permalink Posted: November 7, 2008 at 12:55:22 PM EST |
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McConnell: Senate Will Act to Protect Main Street
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‘The situation we find ourselves in is serious, it is urgent, and failing to act now could have devastating consequences for our nation’s economy’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday regarding the economic rescue plan:
“Less than two weeks ago, the Treasury Secretary came to the American people with some bad news. He said he needed Congress to help. And soon, after significant debate, Congress will deliver.
“The problem we face as a nation is urgent and unprecedented. As a result of lax lending practices earlier in the decade, millions of Americans now find themselves either delinquent or unable to cover their mortgages.
“If this were the only problem, we could address it individually by helping those who were victims of fraud and letting those who made bad judgments or who lied on their loan applications pay for their mistakes.
“But what began as a problem in the subprime mortgage market has now spread throughout the entire economy. And here’s where the crisis hits home.
“After banks made these risky mortgages, they sold them. The institutions they sold them to then shopped them around the world. And now these troubled assets are frozen on the balance sheets of the businesses that you and I rely on to buy everything from dishwashers to new homes.
“At the heart of the rescue plan is a need to lift these assets off the books, and to restore confidence in the institutions that hold them. Then, once the housing market stabilizes, we’ll sell them back.
“Many economists, including those at the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, predict that once the assets are sold off over the next few years, the net loss to taxpayers could be negligible.
“But for now, the practical problem we face is this: credit, the lifeblood of our economy, is frozen. And unless we act, it’s expected to remain that way.
“This means that the lives of ordinary American families could be severely disrupted, commerce could dry up, and millions of jobs could be lost.
“The original White House proposal for addressing this crisis was unacceptable to members on both sides in its initial form. But both parties have since made sure that the taxpayers are protected once a final deal is reached.
“For my part, I came to the Senate floor and put down a firm marker: if Congress was going to help companies that got us into this mess, then executives at these companies would play by our rules. I also said that the government wouldn’t be allowed to use this plan as an excuse to fund new programs. No golden parachutes. Limits on executive pay. And no favors for special interests.
“Thanks to bipartisan insistence on all of these points, the plan that the House voted on earlier this week included every single one of our initial demands. And so does the plan that the Senate will vote on tonight.
“This process hasn’t been easy.
“For the past week, members of Congress and their staffs have worked around the clock to craft a rescue plan that’s designed to protect American families from the shockwaves of the credit crisis.
“When that plan failed in the House, we picked up the pieces, and we put together an even better plan that we think will make it through the House, and onto the President’s desk — this week.
“It’s important that we act now, because the crisis is spreading.
“Small business owners in Kentucky are writing urgent letters to my office saying that their interest rates are already skyrocketing and putting their businesses — and employees’ jobs — at risk.
“A woman in Central Kentucky wrote that she’s afraid she’ll have to sell off part of her family’s farm.
“A retired school counselor wrote to say she can’t afford to see her small retirement savings vanish.
“A small business owner in La Grange told me he’s worried about the effect on his business and his employees because, in just the past week, the interest rate on the loan he took out to finance his office building more than tripled.
“The current crisis may have its roots in the actions of a few. But its effects could potentially reach into every single home in Kentucky, and every other home in America.
“This economic rescue plan is a necessary effort to protect the vast majority of Americans — whose day-to-day lives depend on ready access to credit — from the misdeeds of Wall Street. And, at this point, doing nothing to prevent an economic collapse is no longer an option.
“Here’s what the second-largest newspaper in America, The Wall Street Journal, said about the rescue plan earlier this week: ‘It deserves to pass because in reality it is an attempt to shield middle America from further harm caused by the mistakes of Wall Street and Washington’ … ‘The current seizure in the credit markets is real,’ the Journal added, ‘and it will do far more harm if not repaired soon …’
“For lawmakers, failing to pass this economic rescue plan would be grossly irresponsible. The voters sent us to Washington to respond to crises, not to ignore them.
“To that end, we have acted swiftly. And lawmakers from both political parties have worked hard to protect taxpayers at the beginning and at the end of this plan.
“Thanks to our insistence, this rescue plan will have strong federal oversight. Not only will there be a strong and diverse executive oversight board watching every single transaction, but we will also have the ability to investigate, pursue, and punish any executive who engages in fraud or who attempts to use this plan for personal enrichment.
“If the government is forced to take over the biggest companies, the first thing we will do is wipe out existing compensation packages for failed executives. Then, we fire them.
“For most other institutions we assist, failed executives will no longer get million dollar payouts. And those who previously negotiated severance packages will pay one fifth of them in taxes — on top of the standard thirty to forty percent tax currently in place. This means that executives at these firms will have to hand over more than half of their existing pay packages to the taxpayer.
“Moreover, no executive who hasn’t already worked out a compensation package will be allowed to get one. At these companies, the days of golden parachutes are over.
“As another way of protecting taxpayers, Republicans insisted early on that every dollar the government gets back as a result of this program goes directly to reduce the federal debt. This plan guarantees it. Every dime we get back will be used to pay our debts.
“Since Monday’s House vote, we’ve made some significant improvements to the bill. In order to protect bank customers, Congress will allow the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to insure deposits up to $250,000 for one year, up from the current $100,000.
“We also added significant tax relief for American families and businesses, including a temporary patch on the AMT middle class tax that will protect millions of Americans — including 135,000 Kentuckians — from an average $2,000 increase in their annual tax bill.
“At the moment, this plan represents the best way to bring stability to the credit markets, avoid a credit meltdown, and put America on the road to economic recovery. But Congress's job does not end there. After completing this bipartisan effort, members of Congress must recommit ourselves in strengthening America's long-term economic security.
“We should refocus our attention on a balanced energy plan that enables us to find more American energy resources and use less, and by refusing to spend money we do not have on programs that we do not need, thus laying a strong economic foundation for our children to inherit.
“Soon, Senators will cast this historic vote. And when we do, the American taxpayers should know this: this plan was written with their best interests in mind. Not a dime will be spent without strict oversight. Failed executives will be held accountable. No more golden parachutes. And, in the end, the American people can expect to recoup most, if not all or even more of the money that is spent.
“This legislation is not something any of us wanted to consider. Under ordinary circumstances, high-flying businessmen who make bad decisions or abuse shareholder trust should be allowed to fail. But the situation we find ourselves in is serious, it is urgent, and failing to act now could have devastating consequences for our nation’s economy.
“We must contain the damage. The potential consequences of inaction for our Main Street economy are simply too great.”
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| Permalink Posted: October 1, 2008 at 5:04:14 PM EDT |
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McConnell: Economic Rescue Plan: Senate to Vote Tonight
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The American people ‘expect us to rise to big challenges and to put aside differences and to work on their behalf’
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday regarding the economic rescue plan:
“After Monday’s vote in the house, the question is not how we got here, but how we get out. And to get our economy back on its feet.
“So after extensive consultation between the Majority Leader and myself and the leaders in both parties here in the Senate, we believe that we have crafted a way to go forward and to get us back on track.
“This is the only way to get the right kind of solution for the American people.
“Both Senator Obama and Senator McCain are coming back tonight to embrace this effort and to help us reassure the American people that we’re going to fix this problem.
“No one is happy with the situation that we’re in, but it’s a situation that we have. And the American people didn’t send us here just to do easy things. They expect us to rise to big challenges and to put aside differences and to work on their behalf.
“So tonight the Senate will vote on an economic rescue plan designed to shield millions of Americans from shockwaves of a problem they didn’t create.
“Now, Mr. President, we have two problems. We have the equity markets and we have the credit markets. And a way of thinking of it is like this: Our whole economy, you could think of as the human body, but the credit markets as the circulatory system.
“Right now, as the distinguished Majority Leader pointed out, the credit markets are frozen. And so the circulatory system is not working as it should. If the circulatory system doesn’t work, then it begins to choke off the body, the economy.
“So with the step we take tonight, we’re confident we will be able to restore the circulatory system, if you will, regain health to the economy, the body, if you will; and get the problem fixed for the American people.
“Now, I said yesterday we’re going to fix this problem this week.
“The Senate will speak tonight. We will send to the House a package that if passed will address the issue.
“We will have demonstrated to the American people that we could deal with a crisis in the most difficult of times, right before an election, when the tendency to be the most partisan is the greatest.
“We’re in the process of setting that aside, rising to the challenge, both Democrats and Republicans, and doing what’s right for the American people.”
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| Permalink Posted: October 1, 2008 at 3:44:27 PM EDT |
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Senate Dems: Let Them Eat Cake
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Senate Democrat Campaign Chairman Dismisses High Gas Prices Saying The “Issue Has Peaked” And Americans Are Satisfied That Congress Is “Trying”
POLITICO: “Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) predicted Monday that “the drilling issue has peaked,” convinced that voters will not punish Democrats this November for the high price of gas.” (“Schumer: ‘The drilling issue has peaked,’” Politico, 08/25/08)
FLASHBACK
Schumer Suggests Congress Will Not Act This Session To Address High Gas Prices
WASHINGTON POST: “Schumer suggested…Congress will not move on a large energy plan until after the election. If Obama is elected and Democrats gain larger majorities in Congress, Schumer said, ‘You will get, for the first time, a real energy policy.’” (“Oil May Become GOP's 2008 Issue,” The Washington Post, 07/27/08)
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| Permalink Posted: August 26, 2008 at 10:03:37 AM EDT |
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T. Boone Pickens vs. Democrat Energy Plans
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Dems Pick Pickens To Headline Energy Summit Despite His Opposition To Their Energy Plans
SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV): “We all talk about the problem. T. Boone Pickens is talking about a solution. And he's put his money where his mouth is. So listen to T. Boone Pickens… and our country will head in the right direction.” (Sen. Reid, Press Conference, 07/17/08)
T. BOONE PICKENS ON DOMESTIC EXPLORATION
On Domestic Exploration: “I see everything American as good…Offshore, OCS drilling, ANWR drilling, yes, all of it. I want to see all of it. I want to get off of foreign oil. Yes, all of that.” (Homeland Security And Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate, Hearing, 07/22/08)
T. BOONE PICKENS ON THE DEMOCRATS’ ENERGY PLANS
On Blaming Energy Companies For High Prices: “This doesn't have anything to do with Exxon or Chevron or some speculator running up the price.” (“Pickens’ Big Ideas For Wind Energy Heard By Four Senators,” Congress Daily PM, 07/22/08)
On The Democrats’ Speculation Bill: “They're wasting their time. Speculators are not running up the price of oil.” (“Senate Clears Hurdle For Oil Speculation Bill,” Bloomberg.com, 07/22/08)
DEMOCRATS ON T. BOONE PICKENS
SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D-IL): “T. Boone Pickens Is Right.” “T. Boone Pickens is right; we need a much bolder and much bigger set of solutions.” (Sen. Obama, Remarks To Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, 08/04/08)
SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV): “T. Boone Pickens Has Done A Wonderful Job Of Pointing Out To The American People What The Solution Is.” “…the name of T. Boone Pickens. Eighty-one years old, and he has suddenly become bipartisan. I am happy about that. I have great admiration and respect for T. Boone Pickens. … T. Boone Pickens has done a wonderful job of pointing out to the American people what the solution is.” (Sen. Reid, Congressional Record, S.7092, 07/23/08)
SEN. DICK DURBIN (D-IL): “What Is The Long-Term Answer? Well, The Long-Term Answer Can Be Found From A Number Of People, One Of Whom Is A Fellow Whose Name You Can Hardly Ever Forget: T. Boone Pickens." (Sen. Durbin, Congressional Record, S.7000, 07/22/08)
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| Permalink Posted: August 20, 2008 at 10:25:52 AM EDT |
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Washington Speak: Gas Price Edition
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Senate Democrats Tell Their Constituents They Are “Open” To Domestic Production While They Leave Town Without Holding A Vote
SEN. MAX BAUCUS (D-MT): “There Should Be Offshore Drilling, If Appropriate … All The Measures Should Be There On The Table.” (“‘Gang Of 10’ Fights For Increased Drilling,” Politico, 07/23/08)
SEN. DICK DURBIN (D-IL): “I’m Open To Drilling And Responsible Production.” (“Top Democrat May Back New Offshore Drilling: Report,” Reuters, 07/09/08)
SEN. BEN NELSON (D-NE): “We Have To Do Some Drilling. Let’s Accept The Fact That We Have To Do Some Drilling.” (Fox News’ “Your World With Neil Cavuto,” 07/07/08)
SEN. BLANCHE LINCOLN (D-AR): “I Think You Would Find A Lot Of Support For Offshore Drilling.” “I think you would find a lot of support for offshore drilling if it was tied to other things like -- renewable fuels, wind energy, solar energy & other renewable transportation fuels.” (“Offshore Drilling?” KNWA, 06/24/08)
SEN. BYRON DORGAN (D-ND): “I Support Drilling Offshore.” (Sen. Dorgan, Congressional Record, S.6351-2, 07/07/08)
SEN. MARY LANDRIEU (D-LA): “We Have To Drill In More Places As Quickly As We Can” “And we want to force the leadership of the Republicans and the Democrats to come to terms with reality, which is, we have to drill in more places as quickly as we can, of which I am a big proponent.” (Fox News’ “Your World With Neil Cavuto,” 07/08/08)
SEN. JIM WEBB (D-VA): “I Am Not Opposed Personally To The Idea Of Expanding Exploration For Oil And For Gas, and in those cases where it is appropriate to get down and find the assets that are available to us as a nation and increase our national security.” (Sen. Jim Webb, Remarks On The Senate Floor, 07/31/08)
SEN. TOM CARPER (D-DE): “Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) Said He Sensed There Were Enough Votes From His Democratic Colleagues To Expand Offshore Drilling Into New Areas…” (“Dems Searching Their Souls On Drilling,” Politico, 07/10/08)
SEN. JEFF BINGAMAN (D-NM): “I've Supported Increased Production Of Domestic Oil And Gas. And I Also Think It Makes Sense To Look At Whether Or Not There Are Some Areas In The Outer Continental Shelf That Could Be Opened For Production.” “First of all, as all of you know, I'm from an oil producing state, oil and gas producing state, and I've supported increased production of domestic oil and gas. And I also think it makes sense to look at whether or not there are some areas in the outer continental shelf that could be opened for production in addition to what's already open.” (Sen. Bingaman, Press Conference, 07/14/08)
SEN. JOHN TESTER (D-MT): “[W]e Must Take Advantage Of Our Untapped Oil resources In Places Where It Makes Sense.” “Although our country cannot simply drill our way out of this energy crisis, we must take advantage of our untapped oil resources in places where it makes sense.” (“Guest Column From Senator Tester: Energy Independence This Independence Day,” 06/30/08)
SEN. SHERROD BROWN (D-OH): “Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, Who Had Adamantly Opposed Such Drilling, Is Among Those Warming To The Idea. He says any exploration would have to be far from the coast and that the oil produced would be used in the United States, not abroad.” (“Do We Lift The Ban On Offshore Drilling?” The Columbus Dispatch, 07/11/08)
SEN. KENT CONRAD (D-ND): “We Have Got To Deal With Conserving, Using Less. We Also Have To Produce More.” “Well, I think we all know there are several elements to this. We have got to deal with conserving, using less. We also have to produce more. Those are the two sides of the equation in terms of the supply/demand relationship.” (CNN’s “American Morning,” 07/15/08)
SEN. MARK PRYOR (D-AR): “We Need To Really Sit Down And Talk About All The Options On The Table.” “Partisan bickering will not lower gas prices or put us on a course toward energy independence. … We need to really sit down and talk about all the options on the table, evaluate their merits and move full speed ahead on meaningful reform.” (Sen. Mark Pryor, Letter To Senators Harry Reid And Mitch McConnell, 06/26/08)
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| Permalink Posted: August 1, 2008 at 6:23:49 PM EDT |
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Senate Dems' Gas Price Politics
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“Frustrated” Democrats Suggest Nominee and Leaders “Are Not Ready To Embrace The Idea Of Bipartisan Compromise” And Are Content To Make Americans Wait “Until After The Election” For Energy Plan
THE WASHINGTON POST: “Schumer suggested…Congress will not move on a large energy plan until after the election. If Obama is elected and Democrats gain larger majorities in Congress, Schumer said, ‘You will get, for the first time, a real energy policy.’”
(“Oil May Become GOP's 2008 Issue,” The Washington Post, 07/27/08)
THE NEW YORK TIMES: “Democratic leaders in the Senate also are not ready to embrace the idea of a bipartisan compromise on energy legislation, in part out of concern about adopting a position at odds with their expected presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois.” (“Congress Feels Pressure for Action on Oil Prices,” The New York Times, 07/09/08)
ROLL CALL: “Privately, Democrats have been frustrated that Obama took such a long time to come out with a comprehensive energy policy and that his new plan appeared to be more about checking the box than engaging in a larger national debate on the issue…..”The aide added, “A lot of Democrats were waiting for him to come out with something, and he left us flat-footed. ... We didn’t want to step on his toes, and now, we have some ground to make up.” (“Energy Politics Debated”, Roll Call, 07/21/08)
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| Permalink Posted: July 28, 2008 at 12:57:46 PM EDT |
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Dems Shut Down Energy Bill After Fears Of “Defections In The Ranks” On Domestic Energy Production
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“But The GOP Is Positioning Itself As The Party Willing To Do Whatever It Takes To Lower Gas Prices”
THE NEW YORK TIMES: “Democrats, worried about defections in the ranks, are scrambling to avoid votes on expanded drilling and this week canceled a series of Senate committee sessions that could have provided an opening for Republicans.” (“Spotlight on Gas Prices, and Parties in Stalemate,” The New York Times, 07/24/08)
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: “Majority Leader Reid has decided that deliberation is too taxing for "the world's greatest deliberative body." This week he cut off serious energy amendments to his antispeculation bill.” (Editorial, “Democrats Against Drilling,” The Wall Street Journal, 07/24/08)
DOW JONES: “While U.S. Democrats consider a bill that seeks to rein in speculation in the petroleum markets, they've suddenly found themselves on the defensive from an orchestrated Republican attack pushing the majority to ‘Drill More, Use Less.’” (“Dems On The Defensive Over GOP Push For More Oil,” Dow Jones, 07/24/08)
CQ: “Democratic leaders have tried to stave off a floor vote on the issue, in part, GOP leaders say, out of fear that some Democrats may cast pro-drilling votes.” (“Republicans Refuse to Discuss Futures Bill Without Coastal Drilling Vote,” CQ Today, 07/24/08)
THE HILL: “But the GOP is positioning itself as the party willing to do whatever it takes to lower gas prices. The Republicans say Democrats are scared to cast votes on new drilling in the face of voter anger over high gasoline prices, and they point to the majority's decision to scrap appropriations bills to avoid a debate over lifting the congressional ban on drilling along the Outer Continental Shelf.” (“Senate GOP issues ultimatum to expand oil drilling,” The Hill, 07/24/08)
POLITICO: “Democratic leaders, caught off guard by a swing in public opinion and undermined by some of their own members, are scrambling to run down the clock on calls to lift the ban on offshore oil drilling.” (“‘Gang Of 10’ Fights For Increased Drilling,” Politico, 07/23/08)
Meanwhile…13 Democrats Tell Their Constituents “We Have To Do Some Drilling”
SEN. KENT CONRAD (D-ND): “We Have Got To Deal With Conserving, Using Less. We Also Have To Produce More.” “Well, I think we all know there are several elements to this. We have got to deal with conserving, using less. We also have to produce more. Those are the two sides of the equation in terms of the supply/demand relationship.” (CNN’s “American Morning,” 07/15/08)
SEN. MAX BAUCUS (D-MT): “There Should Be Offshore Drilling, If Appropriate … All The Measures Should Be There On The Table.” (“‘Gang Of 10’ Fights For Increased Drilling,” Politico, 07/23/08)
SEN. MARY LANDRIEU (D-LA): “There’s Going To Be Substantially More Drilling.” “‘There’s going to be substantially more drilling and substantially more conservation,’ Sen. Mary L. Landrieu (D-La.) said of the plan her moderate colleagues are hoping to cobble together.” (“‘Gang Of 10’ Fights For Increased Drilling,” Politico, 07/23/08)
SEN. JEFF BINGAMAN (D-NM): “I've Supported Increased Production Of Domestic Oil And Gas. And I Also Think It Makes Sense To Look At Whether Or Not There Are Some Areas In The Outer Continental Shelf That Could Be Opened For Production.” “First of all, as all of you know, I'm from an oil producing state, oil and gas producing state, and I've supported increased production of domestic oil and gas. And I also think it makes sense to look at whether or not there are some areas in the outer continental shelf that could be opened for production in addition to what's already open.” (Sen. Bingaman, Press Conference, 07/14/08)
SEN. DICK DURBIN (D-IL): “I’m Open To Drilling And Responsible Production.” (“Top Democrat May Back New Offshore Drilling: Report,” Reuters, 07/09/08)
SEN. BEN NELSON (D-NE): “We Have To Do Some Drilling. Let’s Accept The Fact That We Have To Do Some Drilling.” (Fox News’ “Your World With Neil Cavuto,” 07/07/08)
SEN. BLANCHE LINCOLN (D-AR): “I Think You Would Find A Lot Of Support For Offshore Drilling.” “I think you would find a lot of support for offshore drilling if it was tied to other things like -- renewable fuels, wind energy, solar energy & other renewable transportation fuels.” (“Offshore Drilling?” KNWA, 06/24/08)
SEN. BYRON DORGAN (D-ND): “I Support Drilling Offshore.” (Sen. Dorgan, Congressional Record, S.6351-2, 07/07/08)
SEN. TOM CARPER (D-DE): “Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) Said He Sensed There Were Enough Votes From His Democratic Colleagues To Expand Offshore Drilling Into New Areas…” (“Dems Searching Their Souls On Drilling,” Politico, 07/10/08)
SEN. JOHN TESTER (D-MT): “[W]e Must Take Advantage Of Our Untapped Oil resources In Places Where It Makes Sense.” “Although our country cannot simply drill our way out of this energy crisis, we must take advantage of our untapped oil resources in places where it makes sense.” (“Guest Column From Senator Tester: Energy Independence This Independence Day,” 06/30/08)
SEN. SHERROD BROWN (D-OH): “Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, Who Had Adamantly Opposed Such Drilling, Is Among Those Warming To The Idea. He says any exploration would have to be far from the coast and that the oil produced would be used in the United States, not abroad.” (“Do We Lift The Ban On Offshore Drilling?” The Columbus Dispatch, 07/11/08)
SEN. JIM WEBB (D-VA): “We Need To Look At All Our Assets.” “Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), fresh from his GI Bill victory, said that he is now making energy a major priority. ‘We need to look at all our assets,’ he said, suggesting a large package including expanded offshore drilling, alternative energy, nuclear power and technology to make coal cleaner.” (“Dems Searching Their Souls On Drilling,” Politico, 07/10/08)
SEN. MARK PRYOR (D-AR): “We Need To Really Sit Down And Talk About All The Options On The Table.” “Partisan bickering will not lower gas prices or put us on a course toward energy independence. … We need to really sit down and talk about all the options on the table, evaluate their merits and move full speed ahead on meaningful reform.” (Sen. Mark Pryor, Letter To Senators Harry Reid And Mitch McConnell, 06/26/08)
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| Permalink Posted: July 24, 2008 at 11:31:49 AM EDT |
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Dems Cite Speculation Stats That Don't Match The Facts
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SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV): “Academics, economists say that the costs of oil is 20% to 50% speculation.” (Sen. Harry Reid, Remarks on the Senate Floor, 07/22/08)
“ACADEMICS AND ECONOMISTS” ACTUALLY SAY “IT’S NOT SPECULATION, IT IS SUPPLY AND DEMAND”
WARREN BUFFETT: “It's not speculation, it is supply and demand. … We don't have excess capacity in the world anymore, and that's what you're seeing in oil prices.” (Warren Buffett, Chairman & CEO, Berkshire Hathaway, CNBC Interview, 6/25/08)
WALTER LUKKEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION: “We haven't evidence that speculators are broadly driving these prices.” (“Hitting Rock: Dems Oblivious On Oil,” New Hampshire Union Leader, 07/13/08)
INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY: “There is little evidence that large investment flows into the futures market are causing an imbalance between supply and demand, and are therefore contributing to high oil prices… Blaming speculation is an easy solution which avoids taking the necessary steps to improve supply-side access and investment or to implement measures to improve energy efficiency.” (International Energy Agency, Medium-Term Oil Market Report, July 2008)
FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIRMAN BEN BERNANKE: “If financial speculation were pushing all prices above the level consistent with the fundamentals of supply and demand, we would expect inventories of crude oil and petroleum products to increase as supply rose and demand fell. But, in fact, available data on oil inventories shows notable declines over the past year.” (Ben Bernanke, Chairman Of The Federal Reserve, 7/15/2008)
DANIEL YERGIN, CHAIRMAN OF CAMBRIDGE ENERGY RESEARCH ASSOCIATES: “When an issue is this hot, it would be so much easier if there was a single reason to blame… But calling it speculation is way too simplistic.” ("Congress Looks for a Culprit for Rising Oil Prices," The New York Times, 6/25/08)
JOHN CHAPMAN, AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE: “The truth is that increased speculation in oil futures is not a cause of rising oil prices, but rather an effect of those prices, which have skyrocketed due to growth in global demand, geopolitical instability, and constricted supply in several producing countries. (John Chapman, Researcher at the American Enterprise Institute, 7/16/2008)
MICHAEL HAIGH, FORMER CHIEF ASSOCIATE CHIEF ECONOMIST WITH THE CFTC: “If Congress is literally going over the CFTC's head and talking about imposing legislation or making the CFTC exercise its emergency powers to limit excess speculation when they don't even know what that means. I don't even know what excess speculation means.” (Michael Haigh, Senior Commodity Analyst At Societe Generale Corporate And Investment Banking And Former Associate Chief Economist With The CFTC, 6/30/2008)
CRAIG PIRRONG, MEMBER OF THE CFTC ENERGY MARKETS ADVISORY COMMITTEE: “There's no evidence of speculative influence. Speculators are not contributing to the demand for physical oil as they almost always roll positions prior to delivery.” (Craig Pirrong, Professor Of Finance At The University Of Houston, Member, CFTC Energy Markets Advisory Committee, 6/24/08)
PAUL KRUGMAN, NEW YORK TIMES COLUMNIST: “On any given day, expectations determine the price; but the spot market also has to clear, and the way this happens is that excess supply must be added to physical stocks. Even with fairly inelastic supply and demand, any large speculative deviation from the 'fundamental' price should show up in a noticeable increase in inventories.” (Paul Krugman, New York Times Columnist, 6/28/08)
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| Permalink Posted: July 22, 2008 at 1:56:34 PM EDT |
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All Ideas Were Welcome When Gas Was A Fraction Of Today’s Price
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Majority Suggests Americans Who Are Struggling With Today’s Skyrocketing Gas Prices Aren’t Worthy Of A Similar Debate
SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV): “They can offer their drilling amendment, and we would offer our own alternative. Both measures would receive a vote. That is how the legislative process is supposed to work.” (“Road Map: Reid Says One Amendment Each About Right,” Roll Call, 07/22/08)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
(EISA)
| Days On The Floor |
15 |
| Average Gas Price During Debate |
$3.06/Gal |
| Roll Call Votes On Amendments |
16 |
| Total Roll Call Votes Regarding The Bill |
22 |
| Total Senate Amendments Proposed |
331 |
| Total Senate Amendments Agreed To |
49 |
Energy Policy Act of 2005
(EPACT05)
| Days On The Floor |
10 |
| Average Gas Price During Debate |
$2.26/Gal |
| Roll Call Votes On Amendments |
19 |
| Total Roll Call Votes Regarding The Bill |
23 |
| Total Senate Amendments Proposed |
235 |
| Total Senate Amendments Agreed To |
57 |
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| Permalink Posted: July 22, 2008 at 11:05:30 AM EDT |
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Act More, Talk Less?
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Dems Concerned With “Showing” That They “Are Responding” To High Gas Prices While Republicans Push For Solutions
SEN. RON WYDEN (D-OR): “We are determined to walk out of here showing that we are responding more immediately to a concrete issue, which is the pain people are feeling at the pump.” (“Senate Plots Two-Week Dash,” Roll Call, 07/17/08)
SEN. BEN NELSON (D-NE): “I don't know if we're going to pass anything, but we certainly better vote on something before we go home.” (“Leaders In Both Chambers Work To Hit Stride On Strategy,” CongressDaily, 07/17/08)
“After Weeks Of Getting Hammered By Republicans” Democrats Are “Worried That They Haven’t Responded” To High Gas Prices And Are “Trying” To “Demonstrate” Action
ASSOCIATED PRESS: “Democrats are scrambling to appear pro-drilling… even as their leaders appear dead set against reversing the long-standing drilling bans along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.” (“Dems Try To Spur Oil Exploration On Available Land,” Associated Press, 07/17/08)
ROLL CALL: “Privately, Democrats have been worried that they haven’t responded quickly enough to the mounting gas price issue, especially since Bush and Congressional Republicans have been pushing for legislation for several months and made the issue the focal point of GOP messaging.” (“Senate Plots Two-Week Dash,” Roll Call, 07/17/08)
THE HILL: “Surging energy prices have forced Democratic leaders to grapple with dissension in their ranks.” (“Some Finding Gore’s Timing Inconvenient,” The Hill, 07/17/08)
THE NEW YORK TIMES: They are “trying to demonstrate that Democrats are not opposed to drilling in acceptable locales…” (For Pelosi, A Familiar Fight Against Offshore Drilling,” The New York Times, 07/17/08)
INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY: “Moderate Democrats who favor drilling…are trying to persuade their leaders to come around.” (“Dems Are Defensive On Drilling; Republicans See Winning Issue,” Investor's Business Daily, 07/17/08)
POLITICO: “After weeks of getting hammered by Republicans on oil prices, Senate Democrats have introduced a bill that cracks down on oil speculating but is silent on oil drilling, and it's not clear if Democrats will even allow a vote on domestic oil exploration.” (“Senate Dems Push Bill To Crack Down On Speculators,” Politico, 07/16/08)
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| Permalink Posted: July 17, 2008 at 12:00:29 PM EDT |
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More Senate Democrats Signal "Receptiveness" To Domestic Exploration
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Democrat States Support For ‘Find More, Use Less’ Approach
Two More Senate Democrats Say “We Have Got To Deal With Conserving” AND “We Also Have To Produce More”
SEN. KENT CONRAD (D-ND): “We Have Got To Deal With Conserving, Using Less. We Also Have To Produce More.” “Well, I think we all know there are several elements to this. We have got to deal with conserving, using less. We also have to produce more. Those are the two sides of the equation in terms of the supply/demand relationship.” (CNN’s “American Morning,” 07/15/08)
SEN. JEFF BINGAMAN (D-NM): “I've supported increased production of domestic oil and gas. And I also think it makes sense to look at whether or not there are some areas in the outer continental shelf that could be opened for production.” “First of all, as all of you know, I'm from an oil producing state, oil and gas producing state, and I've supported increased production of domestic oil and gas. And I also think it makes sense to look at whether or not there are some areas in the outer continental shelf that could be opened for production in addition to what's already open.” (Sen. Bingaman, Press Conference, 07/14/08)
SEN. DICK DURBIN (D-IL): “I’m Open To Drilling And Responsible Production.” (“Top Democrat May Back New Offshore Drilling: Report,” Reuters, 07/09/08)
SEN. BEN NELSON (D-NE): “We Have To Do Some Drilling. Let’s Accept The Fact That We Have To Do Some Drilling.” (Fox News’ “Your World With Neil Cavuto,” 07/07/08)
SEN. BLANCHE LINCOLN (D-AR): “I Think You Would Find A Lot Of Support For Offshore Drilling.” “I think you would find a lot of support for offshore drilling if it was tied to other things like -- renewable fuels, wind energy, solar energy & other renewable transportation fuels.” (“Offshore Drilling?” KNWA, 06/24/08)
SEN. BYRON DORGAN (D-ND): “I Support Drilling Offshore.” (Sen. Dorgan, Congressional Record, S.6351-2, 07/07/08)
SEN. MARY LANDRIEU (D-LA): “We Have To Drill In More Places As Quickly As We Can” “And we want to force the leadership of the Republicans and the Democrats to come to terms with reality, which is, we have to drill in more places as quickly as we can, of which I am a big proponent.” (Fox News’ “Your World With Neil Cavuto,” 07/08/08)
SEN. TOM CARPER (D-DE): “Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) Said He Sensed There Were Enough Votes From His Democratic Colleagues To Expand Offshore Drilling Into New Areas…” (“Dems Searching Their Souls On Drilling,” Politico, 07/10/08)
SEN. JOHN TESTER (D-MT): “[W]e Must Take Advantage Of Our Untapped Oil resources In Places Where It Makes Sense.” “Although our country cannot simply drill our way out of this energy crisis, we must take advantage of our untapped oil resources in places where it makes sense.” (“Guest Column From Senator Tester: Energy Independence This Independence Day,” 06/30/08)
SEN. SHERROD BROWN (D-OH): “Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, Who Had Adamantly Opposed Such Drilling, Is Among Those Warming To The Idea. He says any exploration would have to be far from the coast and that the oil produced would be used in the United States, not abroad.” (“Do We Lift The Ban On Offshore Drilling?” The Columbus Dispatch, 07/11/08)
SEN. JIM WEBB (D-VA): “We Need To Look At All Our Assets.” “Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), fresh from his GI Bill victory, said that he is now making energy a major priority. ‘We need to look at all our assets,’ he said, suggesting a large package including expanded offshore drilling, alternative energy, nuclear power and technology to make coal cleaner.” (“Dems Searching Their Souls On Drilling,” Politico, 07/10/08)
SEN. MARK PRYOR (D-AR): “We Need To Really Sit Down And Talk About All The Options On The Table.” “Partisan bickering will not lower gas prices or put us on a course toward energy independence. … We need to really sit down and talk about all the options on the table, evaluate their merits and move full speed ahead on meaningful reform.” (Sen. Mark Pryor, Letter To Senators Harry Reid And Mitch McConnell, 06/26/08)
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| Permalink Posted: July 15, 2008 at 8:19:18 PM EDT |
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Senate Democrats Begin To Embrace Deep Sea Exploration
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SEN. DICK DURBIN (D-IL): “I’m Open To Drilling And Responsible Production.” (“Top Democrat May Back New Offshore Drilling: Report,” Reuters, 07/09/08)
SEN. BEN NELSON (D-NE): “We Have To Do Some Drilling. Let’s Accept The Fact That We Have To Do Some Drilling.” (Fox News’ “Your World With Neil Cavuto,” 07/07/08)
SEN. BLANCHE LINCOLN (D-AR): “I Think You Would Find A Lot Of Support For Offshore Drilling.” “I think you would find a lot of support for offshore drilling if it was tied to other things like -- renewable fuels, wind energy, solar energy & other renewable transportation fuels.” (“Offshore Drilling?” KNWA, 06/24/08)
SEN. BYRON DORGAN (D-ND): “I Support Drilling Offshore.” (Sen. Dorgan, Congressional Record, S.6351-2, 07/07/08)
SEN. MARY LANDRIEU (D-LA): “We Have To Drill In More Places As Quickly As We Can” “And we want to force the leadership of the Republicans and the Democrats to come to terms with reality, which is, we have to drill in more places as quickly as we can, of which I am a big proponent.” (Fox News’ “Your World With Neil Cavuto,” 07/08/08)
SEN. TOM CARPER (D-DE): “Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) Said He Sensed There Were Enough Votes From His Democratic Colleagues To Expand Offshore Drilling Into New Areas…” (“Dems Searching Their Souls On Drilling,” Politico, 07/10/08)
SEN. JOHN TESTER (D-MT): “[W]e Must Take Advantage Of Our Untapped Oil resources In Places Where It Makes Sense.” “Although our country cannot simply drill our way out of this energy crisis, we must take advantage of our untapped oil resources in places where it makes sense.” (“Guest Column From Senator Tester: Energy Independence This Independence Day,” 06/30/08)
SEN. SHERROD BROWN (D-OH): “Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, Who Had Adamantly Opposed Such Drilling, Is Among Those Warming To The Idea. He says any exploration would have to be far from the coast and that the oil produced would be used in the United States, not abroad.” (“Do We Lift The Ban On Offshore Drilling?” The Columbus Dispatch, 07/11/08)
SEN. JIM WEBB (D-VA): “We Need To Look At All Our Assets.” “Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), fresh from his GI Bill victory, said that he is now making energy a major priority. ‘We need to look at all our assets,’ he said, suggesting a large package including expanded offshore drilling, alternative energy, nuclear power and technology to make coal cleaner.” (“Dems Searching Their Souls On Drilling,” Politico, 07/10/08)
SEN. MARK PRYOR (D-AR): “We Need To Really Sit Down And Talk About All The Options On The Table.” “Partisan bickering will not lower gas prices or put us on a course toward energy independence. … We need to really sit down and talk about all the options on the table, evaluate their merits and move full speed ahead on meaningful reform.” (Sen. Mark Pryor, Letter To Senators Harry Reid And Mitch McConnell, 06/26/08)
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| Permalink Posted: July 14, 2008 at 6:01:15 PM EDT |
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Dems' Evolving View Of General Petraeus
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As Iraq Improves, Democrats’ Partisan Attacks On The General Give Way To A 95-2 Confirmation
SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV) On Gen. Petraeus:
“I Don’t Believe Him.” Q: “…General Petraeus is going to come to the Hill and make it clear to you that there is progress going on in Iraq, that the so-called surge is working. Will you believe him when he says that?” SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV): “No, I don't believe him, because it's not happening. All you have to do is look at the facts.” (CNN’s “The Situation Room,” 04/23/07)
“He's Made A Number Of Statements Over The Years That Have Not Proven To Be Factual.” (Sen. Reid, Press Briefing, 09/07/07)
“[He] Isn’t In Touch With What’s Going On In Baghdad.” “And for someone, whether it's General Petraeus or anyone else, to say things are great in Baghdad isn't in touch with what's going on in Baghdad, even though he's there and I'm not.” (Sen. Reid, Press Conference, 06/14/07)
“[Petraeus’ Report] Will Pass Through The White House Spin Machine, Where Facts Are Often Ignored Or Twisted, And Intelligence Is Cherry-Picked.” “This week, President Bush will send General Petraeus to Congress to report on the war -- but before the report arrives in Congress, it will pass through the White House spin machine, where facts are often ignored or twisted, and intelligence is cherry-picked.” (Sen. Reid, Democratic Radio Response To The President’s Weekly Radio Address, 09/08/07)
SEN. DICK DURBIN (D-IL) On Gen. Petraeus:
He’s “Carefully Manipulating The Statistics.” “By carefully manipulating the statistics, the Bush-Petraeus report will try to persuade us that violence in Iraq is decreasing and thus the surge is working. Even if the figures were right, the conclusion is wrong.” (Sen. Durbin, Remarks To The Center For National Policy, Washington, D.C., 09/07/07)
SEN. HILLARY CLINTON (D-NY) To Gen. Petraeus:
“I Think That The Reports That You Provided To Us Really Require The Willing Suspension Of Disbelief.” (Sen. Clinton, Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senate, 09/11/07)
SEN. BARBARA BOXER (D-CA) To Gen. Petraeus:
“I Ask You To Take Off Your Rosy Glasses.” “I don't consider the surge a nuanced policy. It's killing our soldiers at a great rate. … I think that we need to look at reality. Senator Biden talked to you about what the comptroller general said, and you're going to argue about it? I think the comptroller general ought to be listened to. He says you're cherry picking your numbers in terms of the overall violence. … I ask you to take off your rosy glasses. You had them on in '05.” (Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Senate, Hearing, 9/11/07)
SEN. JOE BIDEN (D-DE) On Gen. Petraeus:
“This [The Petraeus Plan] Is Ridiculous. There Is No Plan… He May Be The Only One Who Believes This Is A Good Idea.” “This is ridiculous. There is no plan. I ask the President and everyone else who comes forward with a plan, whether it is capping or surging or whatever they have: Will it answer the two-word test: Then what? Then what? Then what? What happens after we surge these women and men? And by the way, he said General Petraeus is one who believes. He may be the only one who believes this is a good idea. Virtually no one else thinks it is a good idea.” (Sen. Biden, Congressional Record, S.3080, 03/14/07)
“‘There Is Some Accuracy To’ So-Called ‘Cooking-The-Books’ Charges Being Leveled Against Petraeus.” “Delaware Sen. Joe Biden said yesterday Gen. David Petraeus is not ‘betraying us,’ as a liberal activist group charges, but the Democratic presidential hopeful did not reject charges that the military commander is using selected statistics to do the White House's bidding. ‘There is some accuracy to’ so-called ‘cooking-the-books’ charges being leveled against Petraeus, Biden, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said yesterday in a telephone interview from Washington.” (John Distaso, “Democrats Cool To Latest From Petraeus,” New Hampshire Union Leader, 09/11/07)
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA) On Gen. Petraeus:
“None Of Us Should Be Fooled” By Gen. Petraeus. “I think the general will present the facts with respect to the statistics and the tactical successes or situations as he sees them. But none of us should be fooled -- not the American people, not you in the media, not us in Congress -- we should not be fooled into this tactical success debate. That's not what this is about.” (ABC’s “This Week,” 09/09/07)
SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D-CA) On Gen. Petraeus:
“I Don’t Think General Petraeus Has An Independent View.” “Well, let me -- well, I don't think General Petraeus has an independent view in that sense. General Petraeus is there to succeed. He may say the progress is uneven. He may say it's substantial. I don't know what he will say. You can be sure we'll listen to it. But I don't think he's an independent evaluator.” (Fox News’ “Fox News Sunday,” 09/09/07)
SEN. TOM HARKIN (D-IA) On Gen. Petraeus:
“Asking General Petraeus To Evaluate The Surge He Has Overseen In Iraq Is Like Asking A College Student To Grade His Own Term Paper.” “Today, General Petraeus once again came to Capitol Hill to ask Congress to prolong our involvement in Iraq's civil war. His assessment of the situation in Iraq was positive, but not independent. The simple fact is that asking General Petraeus to evaluate the surge he has overseen in Iraq is like asking a college student to grade his own term paper.” (Sen. Harkin, “Sen. Harkin's Statement on General Petraeus' Report to Congress,” Press Release, 09/11/07)
SEN. CHRIS DODD (D-CT) On Gen. Petraeus:
“That There Are Questions About Gen. Petraeus’ Report Is Not Surprising … The Whack-A-Mole Strategy Has Made This The Bloodiest Summer Of The War.” “The fact that there are questions about Gen. Petraeus' report is not surprising, given that it was brought to you by this White House. In contrast, independent report after report indicates that the Whack-A-Mole strategy has made this the bloodiest summer of the war.” (Sen. Christopher Dodd, Press Release, 9/10/07)
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| Permalink Posted: July 10, 2008 at 3:15:14 PM EDT |
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Dems' New Gas Price Strategy: "Drive Small Cars And Wait For The Wind"
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Americans Increasingly Demand A ‘Find More, Use Less’ Energy Policy
RECENT POLLS SHOWS SUPPORT FOR DEEP SEA EXPLORATION OVER 73%
CNN/OPINION RESEARCH POLL: “Still, 73% of the more than 1,000 Americans surveyed from June 26 to 29 said they favored an expansion of offshore drilling for oil and natural gas in protected U.S. waters, even though many environmental advocacy groups have deemed offshore drilling as hazardous to the environment.” (“Environmental support dips vs. economy – poll,” CNN.com, 07/03/08)
FOX NEWS/OPINION DYNAMICS: “For example, just over three-quarters (76 percent) support immediately increasing oil drilling in the United States — a position recently espoused by presumptive Republican nominee John McCain. More than seven in 10 Democrats (71 percent) also hold this view.” (“FOX News Poll: Americans 'Energized' for Action,” Foxnews.com, 06/21/08)
POLLING SHOWS AMERICANS’ SUPPORT IS TRENDING RAPIDLY TOWARD DOMESTIC PRODUCTION
PEW RESEARCH CENTER POLL: “[T]he percentage of liberals who said expanding energy exploration was their most important priority doubled from 22 percent in February to 45 percent.” (“Gas prices change views on energy,” Associated Press, 07/01/08)
PEW RESEARCH CENTER POLL: “[T]he number of people favoring drilling there increased to 50 percent, compared to 42 percent last February.” (“Gas prices change views on energy,” Associated Press, 07/01/08)
GALLUP ENERGY POLL: A majority (57-41) of Americans support “drilling in U.S. coastal and wilderness areas now off limits.” (NOTE: By comparison, in a more specific Gallup poll taken in March 2005, a majority (53 percent) was opposed to opening ANWR “for oil exploration”). (“Majority of Americans Support Price Controls on Gas,” www.gallup.com, 05/28/08)
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| Permalink Posted: July 8, 2008 at 7:45:18 PM EDT |
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$4.11
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$4.11
Now “Liberals, Independents, Democrats, Women” Demand Domestic Energy Exploration
PEW RESEARCH CENTER POLL: “Amid Record Gas Prices, Public Support For Greater Energy Exploration Is Spiking. … Much Of The Increase In Support For Energy Exploration Has Come Among Groups That Previously Viewed This As A Less Important Priority Than Energy Conservation - Young People, Liberals, Independents, Democrats, Women And People Who Have Attended College. Fully half of people ages 18 to 29 (51%) now say expanding energy exploration is a more important priority for energy policy than increasing energy conservation and regulation; only about a quarter of young people (26%) expressed this view in February. The proportion of liberals who say expanded energy exploration is the more important priority also has doubled (from 22% to 45%).” (“As Gas Prices Pinch, Support For Energy Exploration Rises,” The Pew Research Center For The People & The Press, 07/01/08)
SENATE REPUBLICANS ARE ACTING TO REDUCE GAS PRICES
Media Note “In A Rather Dramatic Show Of Force” Republicans Craft A Bill “Democrats Can Support”
THE NEW YORK TIMES: “In a rather dramatic show of force, 22 Senate Republicans attended a news conference in a grassy park outside the Senate office buildings to trumpet the Gas Price Reduction Act of 2008. Most of them did not get a chance to speak, underscoring their dedication to the issue, since most senators do not relish playing a backdrop role.” (“An Inexhaustible Energy Source: Heated Words. But Can It Be Tapped?” The New York Times, 06/27/08)
THE VIRGINIAN PILOT: “This time, with gas prices pushing $4 a gallon and more, opposition may be weakening.” (“Years after failed push, offshore drilling finds some new champions,” The Virginian Pilot, 06/28/08)
ROLL CALL: “In an acknowledgment that something must be done on the record-breaking gasoline prices, Senate Republicans are attempting to craft an energy package that Democrats can support. GOP Senators met for a second time Tuesday afternoon to discuss an energy package that would attract more than the usual suspects on the Democratic side.” (“GOP Floats Energy Proposals,” Roll Call, 06/24/08)
ASSOCIATED PRESS: “Separately, Senate Republicans proposed a revised energy package Thursday that would allow states to petition the Interior Department to lift the federal offshore drilling moratorium off their coasts, 50 miles from shore. States would get a financial windfall, 37.5 percent of the federal royalties. The GOP proposal, which also would provide incentives for developing plug-in electric hybrid automobiles and lift a prohibition on developing oil shale in the West, has 43 GOP co-sponsors. (House approves financial help for mass transit, Associated Press, 06/26/08)
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| Permalink Posted: July 7, 2008 at 2:04:59 PM EDT |
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McConnell, Grassley Call for Bipartisan Solution to Extend Tax Relief, Energy Incentives; Extending Current Tax Relief is No Excuse for Tax Hikes
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‘All that it will require is your agreement to focus on constructive solutions that we can all support rather than wasting time with partisan press releases and other missives that only make more difficult the cooperation required for the Senate to act on these urgent matters’
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Finance Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley sent the following letter to Majority Leader Harry Reid and Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus on Tuesday. Republican Senators are calling for an extension of expiring tax relief before August recess, including an extension of the AMT patch, without any accompanying tax increases, and consistent with the treatment of mandatory spending increases, which do not require spending reduction offsets.
July 1, 2008
The Honorable Harry Reid The Honorable Max Baucus
Majority Leader Chairman
United States Senate United States Senate Committee on Finance
Room S-221, The Capitol Room 219, Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Mr. Leader and Mr. Chairman:
We are writing in response to the letter sent to Leader McConnell on June 13, 2008, concerning legislation, H.R. 6049, which is designed to extend certain expiring tax relief provisions and energy tax incentives. We are disappointed that some in Congress have chosen to politicize what has historically been a very routine and bipartisan exercise of extending traditional expiring tax provisions and patching the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). It is our great hope that the Senate can rise above partisanship, work out a bipartisan solution to extend these important tax relief provisions, and send the legislation to the House for their consideration.
Rather than responding to the overtly partisan aspersions leveled in the June 13 letter, we instead ask you to join with us to find areas of bipartisan agreement that can break the current impasse over these pending time-sensitive tax matters. We propose that the Senate Democratic and Republican leadership and the Chairman and Ranking Republican of the Senate Finance Committee instruct relevant staff to undertake negotiations with a goal of bringing a bipartisan AMT/tax extenders package to the Senate floor for a vote before the August Recess.
Indeed, during Senate consideration of motions to instruct Budget Conferees, the Senate agreed by voice vote to two motions: one by Senator Conrad and one by Senator Kyl; each motion expressed support for passing the tax extenders and the AMT patch without increasing taxes. Furthermore, the alternative energy tax incentives, which passed the Senate by an overwhelming vote of 88 to 8 without offsetting tax increases, are another indication that a large majority of the Senate does not believe tax relief extensions must be offset. We believe this approach provides a blueprint for successful Senate action.
The Senate Republican Conference has a long history of supporting the extension of traditional expiring tax relief, including an extension of the AMT patch, without accompanying tax increases. We are dismayed that so little attention has been paid to the real damage that is being caused to our economy due to the fact that the research and experimentation tax credit, the college tuition deduction, and a host of other important individual and business tax provisions have already expired. And we have warned again and again about the tremendous uncertainty we are creating for American families as a result of the already-expired AMT patch.
Just as simple extensions of existing mandatory spending do not require offsetting spending reductions – and indeed, the creation of a new mandatory spending program for veterans’ education benefits and the extension of unemployment benefits will not be accompanied by a corresponding spending offsets in the war funding bill – we believe simple extensions of existing tax policies should not be held hostage to the demand by some for ever-greater tax collections.
We are confident that the best traditions of the Senate for negotiation and bipartisan agreement will prevail with regard to the tax extenders and the AMT patch this year, as they have so many times in the past on these issues. All that it will require is your agreement to focus on constructive solutions that we can all support rather than wasting time with partisan press releases and other missives that only make more difficult the cooperation required for the Senate to act on these urgent matters.
Sincerely,
Senator Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senate Republican Leader
Senator Charles Grassley, Ranking Member, U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
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| Permalink Posted: July 1, 2008 at 1:50:55 PM EDT |
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