Recent Press Releases

Bipartisan Energy Bill Would Prepare Country for Energy Challenges and Opportunities

‘This is bipartisan legislation that provides a common-sense approach to help Americans produce more energy, pay less for energy, and save energy — all without raising taxes or adding to the deficit.’

February 1, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Energy Policy Modernization Act:

“The Senior Senator from Alaska knows that reform is urgently needed to modernize America’s energy policies for a new era with new challenges and new opportunities.

“The Energy Committee, under her leadership, has worked hard this past year to achieve that aim.

“The committee convened listening sessions.

“The committee held oversight hearings.

“The committee worked hard and worked across the aisle, focusing on areas of common ground that can move our country forward.

“That constructive and collaborative process ultimately resulted in broad, bipartisan energy legislation, the Energy Policy Modernization Act.

“It cleared committee with the support of more than 80% of Senators — Republicans and Democrats alike — including the top Energy Committee Republican, the Senator from Alaska, and the top Energy Committee Democrat, the Senator from Washington.

“Both recognize the importance of preparing our country for the energy challenges of today and the energy opportunities of tomorrow.

“They’re also committed bill managers.

“I ask colleagues to continue working with them if they have amendments.

“This is bipartisan legislation that provides a common-sense approach to help Americans produce more energy, pay less for energy, and save energy — all without raising taxes or adding to the deficit.

“Let’s keep working to move the process forward.

“Let’s keep working to pass this bipartisan bill.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell commented regarding the announcement today that Western Kentucky University President Dr. Gary Ransdell will retire in 2017:

“Dr. Ransdell has been a transformational leader for Western Kentucky University. As president, he’s led the way to revitalize WKU academically, physically, and financially. He put WKU football on the map nationwide by successfully negotiating a move to Conference USA. He’s worked tirelessly for his alma mater for nearly 20 years, and he’s gained respect and admiration across Kentucky. I’ve personally enjoyed working with him over the years, and am sorry to hear of his retirement. But he’s certainly earned it. I wish Gary and Julie the best in whatever exciting adventures await them next.”

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Broad, Bipartisan Energy Legislation Would Modernize America’s Energy Policies

‘This bipartisan bill builds on technological progress in order to strengthen and sustain America’s energy advances while protecting our environment at the same time — all without raising taxes or adding to the deficit.’

January 28, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Energy Policy Modernization Act:

“The last time a broad energy bill was signed into law was back in 2007.

“It may as well have been a lifetime ago, as far as America’s energy situation is concerned.

“While we were once living in an era of energy scarcity, we’re now living in an era of higher energy production and lower technology costs.

“It’s change that presents many opportunities, but also challenges.

“Aging infrastructure.

“Bureaucratic hurdles.

“Outdated policies and needless red tape.

“These are the kind of challenges we’ll need to address if we want to support America’s rise as one of the world’s preeminent energy superpowers — if we want support the accompanying potential for jobs, for growth, and for increased energy independence.

“That’s why the Senate is considering the Energy Policy Modernization Act.

“It’s broad, bipartisan legislation that will modernize our energy policies to keep pace with a changing world.

“It will help Americans produce more energy.

“It will help Americans pay less for energy.

“It will help Americans save energy.

“This bipartisan bill builds on technological progress in order to strengthen and sustain America’s energy advances while protecting our environment at the same time — all without raising taxes or adding to the deficit.

“It’s the latest reminder of what’s possible with cooperation in this Senate.

“A huge majority of the Senate Energy Committee supported the bill when it came to a vote.

“The top Republican on the committee supported it. The top Democrat on the committee supported it.

“They're the managers on this bill today.

“They've worked with members of both parties to line up amendments already. They're working with members of both parties to schedule more.

“If you have an amendment you’d like considered, please work with them.

“Let’s get this process moving.

“Let’s get this bill passed so we can support more jobs, more growth, and more energy independence for our country.”