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Senate Passes McConnell Resolution Condemning Military Junta in Burma for its Detention of Aung San Suu Kyi

June 22, 2007



*McConnell calls for the immediate release of Suu Kyi*



WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement Friday following passage of his resolution condemning the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) in Burma for its continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.



“Passage of this resolution reflects the Senate’s grave concern about the deteriorating situation in Burma, and it tells those living there that the American people have not forgotten about them. We are committed to keeping the pressure on this dictatorial regime, continuing to call for an end to attacks against ethnic minorities, and promoting democracy and reconciliation in Burma.



“Additionally, Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners must be immediately and unconditionally released. The Nobel Peace Prize winner has dedicated her life to the peaceful, non-violent movement for democracy and reconciliation in Burma, and the U.S. Senate strongly supports her.”



The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), John McCain (R-AZ), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Richard Lugar (R-IN), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Elizabeth Dole (R-NC).



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Energy Bill ‘A Missed Opportunity,’ McConnell Says

June 21, 2007

Republicans will continue working to address the energy issue of greatest concern to the American people: high gas prices

Washington, D.C. – U. S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement about the Senate energy bill:

“This is really an anti-energy bill. It does nothing to bring down high gas prices; in fact, it would actually increase prices at the pump. It does nothing to increase domestic oil and gas production to make us less dependent on foreign oil. It fails to promote one of the most promising new technologies to make America more energy independent: coal-to-liquid fuels. And it threatens the jobs of thousands of auto workers in Kentucky and across the country.

“Although the Senate did not make the bill worse by approving the massive tax increases proposed earlier this week, this bill remains a missed opportunity. Senate Republicans will continue working to address the energy issue of greatest concern to the American people: high gas prices.”

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McConnell Secures Over $15 Million for Kentucky in FY’08 Interior Appropriations Bill

June 21, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced today that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved his requests of over $15 million in funding for Kentucky. The funding, included in the FY’08 Interior Appropriations bill, now must be approved by the full Senate.



McConnell used his seniority on the Appropriations Committee to direct funding to the following Kentucky projects:



• $1 million for the Green River Valley Water District project in Hart County. “I am pleased to secure funding for this important project” said Senator McConnell. “These funds will help expand access to clean water in rural Hart County.”



• $600,000 for the Monroe County Water District. “I recognize the need for improved drinking water supplies in Monroe County,” said Senator McConnell. “This funding addresses that need and will be used towards the construction of a new water treatment plant at the Cumberland River.”



• $500,000 for the Western Kentucky University Small Public Water Technology Center. “WKU provides necessary support for small public water systems across the Commonwealth, and this funding will enable the university to continue this important service,” said Senator McConnell. Senator McConnell has delivered $4.45 million for this project in previous years.



• $800,000 for the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge. Of that amount, $500,000 will be used for land acquisition from willing sellers and $300,000 for construction equipment. “The Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, which will use the money to expand and improve its land, serves as a safe haven for the bald eagle and peregrine falcon,” said Senator McConnell. Senator McConnell has delivered $13.45 million for the refuge in previous years.



• $1.25 million for the Daniel Boone National Forest. Of that amount, $350,000 will be used for land acquisition and $900,000 will be used by the Forest Service to continue marijuana eradication operations. “I am pleased to have once again secured funds for the preservation and expansion of the Daniel Boone National Forest,” said Senator McConnell. “Additionally, this funding will be used by the Forest Service and local law enforcement agencies to continue their work to identify and destroy marijuana plants on or near national forest land.” Senator McConnell has delivered $18.4 million for the DBNF in previous years.



• $350,000 for improvements to the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site in LaRue County, Kentucky. Funds will be used to make improvements to the Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home at Knob Creek, which is a part of the National Historic Site. “Efforts to preserve President Lincoln’s birthplace will ensure that a part of Kentucky’s heritage is saved,” said Senator McConnell. “With the bicentennial of his birth approaching next year, these funds will help make the site ready for everyone to enjoy.”



• $1.9 million towards the acquisition of Fern Lake by the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. “The Cumberland Gap National Park is a popular tourist attraction and these funds will ensure that Fern Lake, which is visible from the Pinnacle Overlook, remains a protected watershed for future generations to enjoy,” said Senator McConnell. Senator McConnell has delivered $1.9 million for this project in previous years.



• $661,000 for the Kentucky Forest Legacy Marrowbone Creek State Forest Project. The Commonwealth has identified property in Metcalfe County, Kentucky, that is ideal for funding under the Forest Legacy Program. The tract includes several tributaries that feed into the biologically diverse Upper Cumberland River Valley and Green River watersheds and a number of hardwood timber stands. “This funding will be used towards the purchase of a tract of land in Metcalfe County for the establishment of the Marrowbone Creek State Forest,” said Senator McConnell. “The Forest Legacy program assists in protecting critical forest resources and ensuring good forest stewardship to sustain these resources.”



• $8.1 million from the U.S. Forest Service for management and operation of Land Between the Lakes (LBL). The funding will be used for continued operation of the recreational facility located in western Kentucky. “I, along with many Kentuckians and visitors to our state, recognize the attraction to the LBL,” said Senator McConnell. “I am pleased to have once again secured funding for the continued operation of this popular tourist spot.”



• $750,000 for the Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research (CPBR) of which the University of Kentucky is a member. “This funding will enable students and educators at UK to be on the front lines of innovation as they conduct biotechnology research that can be transferred to the marketplace,” said Senator McConnell.



The FY’08 Interior Appropriations bill now goes before the full Senate for approval.

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