[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 40 (Monday, March 14, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S1445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     WORKING TOGETHER IN THE SENATE

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, last week the Senate took decisive 
action to address America's devastating prescription opioid and heroin 
epidemic by passing the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. It is 
an important accomplishment for the American people. It is the latest 
example of a Republican Senate leading on important issues. It also 
reminds us what can be accomplished when Senators focus on issues where 
they can agree rather than only fighting about issues where they don't 
agree.
  It is clear that Democrats and Republicans do not agree on whether 
the American people should have a voice in the current Supreme Court 
vacancy. Republicans know the American people elected a Republican 
Senate to be a check-and-balance to President Obama. We know the next 
Justice could dramatically change the direction of the Court for 
decades. We think the American people deserve a voice in that 
conversation. Democrats would rather the President make this incredibly 
consequential decision on his way out the door. This is one issue where 
we simply don't agree, so let's keep our focus on the areas where we 
can find agreement instead.
  I ask colleagues to join us in continuing to do our work here in the 
Senate. As we do that, the American people can continue making their 
voices heard in this important national conversation. Passing CARA was 
a great example of what we can get done when we work constructively 
toward solutions.
  This week we will have the opportunity to make progress on other 
issues, including one I would like to mention now.
  Vermont recently passed food-labeling legislation that according to 
one study could increase annual food costs by more than $1,000 per 
family. These aren't just Vermont families I am talking about; these 
are families all across our country.
  The Senate will soon consider commonsense, bipartisan legislation 
that aims to ensure that decisions in one State or a patchwork of 
different State laws do not hurt American families throughout our 
country--especially at a time when so many are already struggling to 
make ends meet. The goal is to set clear, science-based standards in 
order to prevent families from being unfairly hurt by a patchwork of 
conflicting local and State labeling laws passed in States and cities 
where they don't even live.
  I would like to recognize the chairman of the Agriculture Committee, 
Senator Roberts, for his continuing work on this issue. The Agriculture 
Committee moved to pass the chairman's mark last week with bipartisan 
support. I know Chairman Robert continues to work with Senator 
Stabenow, the ranking member, and others across the aisle on a pathway 
forward on legislation we can pass in the Senate to resolve this issue. 
I urge Members to continue working with him in that endeavor.
  Let's not forget that this may well be our last chance to prevent the 
actions of one State--just one State--from hurting Americans in all the 
other States. Legislation to address this issue passed the House last 
summer with bipartisan support. With cooperation from across the aisle, 
we can take action on a bipartisan basis here on the Senate floor as 
well.

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