[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 185 (Friday, December 18, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S8838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          OMNIBUS LEGISLATION

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, we know our constituents are deeply 
concerned about America's struggling economy. So let's take steps, as 
the legislation we will consider proposes, to support more jobs, more 
opportunity, and more economic growth.
  Let's enact permanent tax relief for American families and small 
businesses. Let's set the table for pro-growth tax reform. Let's 
permanently eliminate an energy policy from the 1970s that not only 
costs American jobs but also strengthens America's adversaries like 
Iran and Russia. This will end the absurd position we are in now, where 
the Iranians, as a result of the President's deal, can export oil and 
the United States can't.
  Here is something else. We know our constituents are deeply concerned 
about America's national security. So let's take steps, as the 
legislation we will consider proposes, to strengthen our national 
security in a dangerous world. Let's help ensure our military has more 
of the funding it needs to train, equip, and confront the threats that 
face us from literally every corner of the globe. Let's bolster the 
FBI's ability to confront terror within our borders. Let's bring badly 
needed reform to the Visa Waiver Program. The last provision is 
especially important. Let's prevent the transfer of dangerous 
terrorists from Guantanamo's secure detention center into America's 
communities. Let's provide the people we represent with some long 
overdue protection from cyber attacks. Let's honor our veterans and 
enact critical reforms to help address the crises we have seen at the 
VA.
  The legislation we will consider today would take steps to strengthen 
our economy and strengthen our national security. It would also bolster 
the First Amendment. It would attack key pillars of ObamaCare and 
prevent a taxpayer bailout of this partisan law. That last provision is 
especially important. Protecting the middle class from financing a 
bailout of ObamaCare means we are likely to speed up America's day of 
liberation from ObamaCare as well.
  So here is my view. This legislation helps our economy, helps our 
national security, and strikes more blows to a partisan health law that 
hurts the middle class. I think it is legislation worth supporting.

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