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‘The Republican Conference will continue to make the point that judicial nominations need to be treated fairly, and that commitments in this body need to be kept’

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor Thursday regarding the Democratic Majority’s refusal to honor commitments on judicial nominations:

“Yesterday’s tactic of slowing-down the Senate floor was not about trying to confirm a few district court nominations, as some on the other side tried to suggest. Rather, it was about the importance of keeping one’s word in this body—whether it be a commitment to meet the total number of circuit court confirmations that occurred in prior Congresses, or a commitment to confirm a specific number of circuit court nominations by a specific date and using one’s best efforts to do so.

“We are far behind the pace that is necessary for us to reach the goal that the Majority Leader and I set for this Congress. If that weren’t troubling enough, what we have heard recently by the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee are threats to shut down the confirmation process completely. Surely, that is not his plan.

“The Republican Conference will continue to make the point that judicial nominations need to be treated fairly, and that commitments in this body need to be kept, and we will use the tools available to the minority to do so until that proves to be the case. This is not over I assure you.”

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‘We should have an opportunity to ask senators where they stand. Do they believe, as I do, that gas prices are high enough already? Or do they believe, as the sponsors of this bill do, that gas prices should rise even higher? What are they afraid of?’

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell attempted to offer an amendment to the Boxer Climate Tax bill on Thursday to ensure that the bill does not increase the price of gas at the pump. After Democrats blocked his attempt to offer the amendment, McConnell delivered the following remarks (as prepared) on the Senate floor:

“I’m very disappointed the Majority has objected to allowing me to get this amendment pending.

“Earlier today the Assistant Majority Leader said we should be voting on amendments. I couldn’t agree more.

“In a week in which gas prices have climbed to an all-time high, the Democrat Majority in the Senate is pushing legislation that would send them up another fifty-three cents a gallon.

“Since the Democrats took over Congress 17 months ago, gas prices have gone up $1.66 a gallon.

“Since the beginning of this year alone, gas prices have gone up nearly a dollar (82 cents).

“Just today, AAA reported a new record high average gas price nationwide of $3.99.

“All of this is hurting families, workers, truckers, farmers. It’s hurting everyone.

“Yet the Majority has nothing to say about it. It’s done nothing. Actually, worse than nothing.

“It’s repeatedly blocked efforts to increase production of American energy here at home — as recently as last month, when 48 Democrat senators voted against the American Energy Production Act.

“And now, at the beginning of the summer driving season, it offers a bill that would send up gas prices another 53 cents a gallon.

“The people in Kentucky are paying on average $3.92 a gallon this week. They want to know what in the world is going on around here. I’m telling them to look at what’s going on here this week.

“I’m asking the same question they are: Why on earth are we considering a bill that would raise gas prices even higher than they already are?

“Our friends on the other side have no serious plan for lowering gas prices. Indeed, they seem intent on raising them even higher.

“Which is why I have tried offering this amendment, as a sort of ‘emergency brake’ on the Majority.

“This amendment says that if the Boxer Climate Tax Bill does, in fact, increase gas prices, its provisions shall be suspended. Just turn them off. Take a time out.

“Earlier this week, the Junior Senator from Connecticut said the Boxer Bill would reduce gas prices.

“His contention runs counter to every analysis of the bill I am aware of. But if he’s right, then he may want to support this amendment.

“If the Junior Senator from Connecticut is right, then my amendment would not have any effect on the cap-and-trade system outlined in this bill.

“If he’s wrong, my amendment will protect those who are suffering today from the high price of gas.

“We should have an opportunity to ask senators where they stand.

“Do they believe, as I do, that gas prices are high enough already? Or do they believe, as the sponsors of this bill do, that gas prices should rise even higher?

“What are they afraid of?

“Let’s see where people stand on what is by far the most important issue to the American people today.”

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‘The Majority has blocked us from offering even one amendment regarding this massive restructuring. And that makes me wonder, why doesn’t the Majority want a fair debate on this bill?’

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor Thursday regarding the Democrat Majority’s decision to block a fair and open amendment process on the Boxer Climate Tax bill:

“Earlier this week, the Majority Leader said that global warming was ‘the most important issue facing the world today.’

“And nearly three fourths of the Senate thought it was an important enough issue to debate on the Senate floor—74 Senators voted to bring this measure to the floor for debate because they recognize the significance of this issue. And yet the Majority is blocking fair consideration.

“Instead of allowing a full debate with an open amendment process designed to improve the bill, Democrats last night ‘filled the tree.’

“But what are they afraid of? Why don’t they want to consider amendments to a bill addressing what they call ‘the most important issue facing the world today?’

“At $6.7 trillion, the Climate Tax bill is the largest bill we will consider this Congress. And, as the Wall Street Journal noted, this legislation represents the most extensive reorganization of the American economy since the 1930s.

“Which is why I’m mystified as to why the Democrats decided to block consideration of any and all amendments designed to improve this bill – no consideration of gas prices, no consideration of clean energy technology.

“A bill with such widespread ramifications merits serious, thoughtful consideration, and a thorough debate.

“When the Senate considered the Clean Air Act Amendments in 1990, the process took 5 weeks on the floor; 180 amendments were offered, and 131 were ultimately acted upon by the full Senate. As things currently stand, we won’t even spend 5 days on this bill.

“And the Majority has blocked us from offering even one amendment regarding this massive restructuring. And that makes me wonder, why doesn’t the Majority want a fair debate on this bill? What are they afraid of?

“If this bill alone will ‘save the planet’ as they say, why are they refusing to allow an open debate? Or more than two days on the bill?

“Perhaps they don’t want to expose this bill for what it really is: a Climate Tax.

“This legislation will raise gas prices, electricity prices, diesel prices, natural gas prices and fertilizer prices. It will also put America at a significant economic disadvantage compared to the rest of the world.

“Given that families are already struggling to pay record high gas prices – it’s nearly $4.00 a gallon now – Congress should be working to lower gas prices – not increase them.

“Republicans are eager to offer amendments to the Boxer Climate Tax bill to develop clean energy solutions and promote economic growth. In America, we tackle problems like this is with technology, not by clamping down on our own economy.

“If the Majority is serious about debating this issue, then let’s have a real debate, complete with an open amendment process. Don’t shut it down after only one day.

“This issue is far too important to consumers, our economy, and the climate to block a thorough consideration.”

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