On the recordFebruary 2, 2016
we have seen an iteration of this before. It is Groundhog Day, but there is a difference with the approach that has been taken with regard to targeting oil and gas production with this basket of fossil fuel subsidies, where we are talking about the repeal of five very important tax provisions that are vital to our domestic small and midsize operators. The sponsor is correct. It does tie the expiration of these provisions to the expiration of wind tax credits, which most of us would agree should be phased out. I am in favor of reforming our Tax Code to make it more straightforward and fair. I would welcome that discussion for us to engage in broad-based tax reform on the Senate floor, but the Energy Policy Modernization Act is not the place to do it. It is not the appropriate venue for a tax amendment. As my colleagues know, all revenue-raising measures must originate within the House. The adoption of this tax-related amendment would therefore create an impermissible blue-slip problem. I urge its rejection. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the amendment.
