On the recordMay 15, 2012
the Senator from Louisiana has the right intentions, but this amendment would truly be a vote against U.S. jobs and manufacturing. It would wrongly target renewable energy manufacturing, and it would threaten millions of dollars in the export of U.S.-made products at a time when we should be seeking to expand these markets overseas. If you look particularly at the wind industry, it is already suffering because we have not had the courage, frankly, to extend the production tax credit for wind, and it has bipartisan support; that is, the extension of the wind production tax credit. So we have to pass that production tax credit immediately. But in the meantime, let's not create a double whammy and pass the Vitter amendment because that would damage our opportunity to export renewable energy projects and services. Without question, that sector is expanding dramatically. It is the source of a lot of jobs in my State and I think in every State in the Nation. Let's expand our markets. Let's export. Let's not limit that possibility. The Vitter amendment would do just that, so I urge all of you to vote against the Vitter amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator's time has expired. The question is on agreeing to amendment No. 2103.
