Political Quotes

“I came to the floor, as Senator Isakson from Georgia and Senator Shaheen from New Hampshire were speaking about the biennial budget amendment and the effort they have undertaken. I just want to acknowledge their leadership on this issue. I think it is smart, I think it is wise, and I think it is something that we as a Senate should surely consider. I wanted to just make that brief comment. As the ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I know bipartisan progress on energy is possible in this Congress. While it may take our committee some time to develop, consider, and complete legislation within this area, we have a great opportunity to take the first step forward today through the adoption of a number of energy-related amendments that I have offered. I filed three amendments that would help us seize on the historic opportunities within our reach. I hope the Senate would agree to adjust the resolution before us to reflect their beneficial impact. The first amendment that I have introduced is cosponsored by the Senator from Missouri, Mr. Blunt. It would raise an estimated $3.1 billion--not through taxes but by facilitating new energy production on Federal lands and waters that are currently not open to development. It is worth noting that the $3.1 billion estimate is probably far too low.…”