Political Quotes

“Mr. President, 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.…”